The findings have raised concern among public health experts about the unintended consequences of EU-­mandated picture warnings designed to reduce smoking rates. The research, led by a team at the Technological University of the ­Shannon (TUS), examined reactions to one image of a woman exhaling cigarette smoke. It revealed that despite the intended purpose, to deter use, some of those surveyed reported ­positive emotional responses.
The EU now requires smartphone makers to include easy to read labels that indicate battery life and longevity, an IP rating, plus drop resistance and repairability scores for each new model.
Peter Mandelson highlighted the contradiction in Britain's approach towards EU regulations, emphasizing the need for beneficial alignment rather than dis-alignment that harms business interests.
"What we are asking for is a differentiated regulation for smaller cars. There are too many rules designed for bigger and more expensive cars, which means we can't make smaller cars in acceptable profitability conditions."