Cigarette packaging: Public 'split' over issue, says George Osborne

The government has denied claims it has caved in to the tobacco industry after plans to introduce plain cigarette packaging in England were put on hold.

A decision has been delayed so more time can be spent examining how similar plans have worked in Australia.

Chancellor George Osborne says that the public are "split down the middle" over the issue. "I think it's right that we take our time and get the right decision," he said.