All cigarettes will be sold in plain packets with graphic health warnings from next year after the change won the backing of MPs.
David Cameron watched more than a third of his MPs vote against the controversial move, which has caused deep unease among Conservatives.
Opponents included Chris Grayling, the justice secretary, Liz Truss, the environment secretary, and Greg Hands, the deputy chief whip.
Despite the Conservatives’ opposition, the measure easily cleared its final hurdle in the Commons by 367 votes to 113 thanks to the support of Labour and the Lib Dems. It now faces a final vote in the House of Lords, which it is expected to clear, before coming into force from May next year.
Health campaigners welcomed the news. The British Heart Foundation called it a “landmark victory that will save thousands of lives”.
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Supporters of plain packaging argue that it reduces the appeal of cigarettes and deters young people from taking up smoking. They say there is significant evidence that the measure is effective.
Critics dispute this claim, and warn that introducing plain packets would fuel the black-market trade in cigarettes. Other opponents have warned of expensive legal challenges from tobacco companies, or of a slippery slope of government interference in other products deemed to be unhealthy, such as sugary drinks and salty snacks.
The prime minister voted in favour of the measure, but a string of high-profile Conservatives took advantage of the free vote to oppose it. They included Esther McVey, the employment minister, and the former cabinet ministers Ken Clarke and Liam Fox.
Further Tory discontent will be laid bare today as MPs debate a motion on the need to maintain defence spending at 2 per cent of GDP.
Australia was the first country to introduce plain packaging, in 2012.