PLAIN packaging for cigarettes has moved a step closer - despite two Worcestershire MPs voting against the move this afternoon.

West Worcestershire's Harriett Baldwin and Mark Garnier, who represents the Wyre Forest, were among 113 MPs trying to scupper the policy during a Commons vote today.

It was eventually carried by a majority of 254 after being backed by 367 MPs, and will be voted on by peers this Monday with a view to launching by May 2016.

Mrs Baldwin said she voted against it because of concerns it could increase smoking's popularity, the opposite of what is being intended.

In Australia, where plain packets are the norm, smoking rates went up as did the amount of bootleg cigarettes.

"Smoking remains one of our most significant public health challenges," said Mrs Baldwin.

"It is a major cause of cancer, heart and respiratory disease and almost 80,000 people in England alone die every year from ill health caused by smoking.

"It places an enormous strain on the NHS. I will support any enforceable and reasonable measures which I believe will reduce smoking and its impact.

"After carefully considering the issue of standardised packaging, I am unconvinced that the evidence from Australia is sufficiently strong to pass these regulations.

"Australia brought in standardised packaging a few years ago and it resulted in an increase in smoking, an increase in bootleg cigarettes and an increase in fake cigarettes.

"The ability to control who cigarettes are sold to, including children, diminished in Australia - that is why I did not vote in favour of this measure."

Worcester MP Robin Walker and Sir Peter Luff, who represents Mid-Worcestershire, backed it, as did Prime Minister David Cameron and Labour leader Ed Miliband.

The vote was a free one and caused serious division within the Conservative ranks, with 103 party MPs going against it.

Justice Secretary Chris Grayling was among the high profile opponents of the measures, as was Conservative veteran Ken Clarke.

Three Labour MPs, both UKIP and two Lib Dems also voted against it.

After the vote Mr Cameron's official spokesman said: "The Prime Minister voted in favour of this change, he is pleased that it has gone through."

Asked if the premier was disappointed at the number of Conservatives voting against plain tobacco packaging, the spokesman said: "The whole point of a free vote is that people can express their views freely."

If passed by the Lords it will mean from 2016 every packet will look the same except for the make and brand name, with graphic photos accompanying health warnings.