The UK black market in tobacco products has been hit by FMD precautions at the borders, according to the Tobacco Alliance. Tobacco Alliance spokesman Paul Mason said: "Lorries coming into the UK are being inspected by Customs and Excise ­ and that is having a knock-on effect on illegal tobacco imports." He added: "Retailers are saying sales of duty paid cigarettes have gone up since the outbreak ­ but when those precautions are relaxed we will be back to square one." The Tobacco Alliance, a grouping of independent retailers, has started to distribute a petition to 21,000 members nationwide so consumers can urge the government to bring UK tobacco rates in line with Europe. The petition will be presented in Downing Street in August. {{NEWS }}