British MPs have approved regulations which will force cigarettes to be sold in plain packets there.

There was a hefty majority in favour of the proposals in the House of Commons.

The new rules will come into force in England next May if they are passed by peers next week.

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are also expected to adopt the legislation.

It comes as Ireland faces legal threats from three tobacco companies over plans to do the same here.

The legislation was signed into law by President Higgins yesterday.

May 2016 has been a deadline set for when it will be illegal to manufacture branded cigarettes - and after May 2017 it will then be illegal to sell them.

The Children's Minister James Reilly told Newstalk earlier that Ireland is ready to stand its ground in court, if necessary.