Christina McKelvie MSP has welcomed the publication of a major report by an influential cross party committee of Westminster MPs, which has recommended the UK Government follow the Scottish Government’s lead in proposing a minimum price for alcohol.
The House of Commons Health Select Committee acknowledged the crippling effect of alcohol on society and said that imposing a minimum price could save up to 3000 lives a year in the UK. The report “flatly rejects as a myth” the suggestion that minimum pricing would unfairly affect moderate drinkers.
Releasing the report, Committee Chair and senior Labour MP, Rt Hon Kevin Barron said:
“The facts about alcohol misuse are shocking. Successive governments have failed to tackle the problem and it is now time for bold government.”
Welcoming the Committee’s conclusions, SNP MSP for Central Scotland Ms McKelvie called on Members of the Scottish Parliament currently opposing similar measures in the Scottish Government’s Alcohol Bill to follow the lead of their UK counterparts and back this crucial legislation.
Ms McKelvie said:
“This very timely report adds yet another powerful voice to the growing support for the SNP Government’s positive policies to change our relationship with alcohol for the benefit of health and public order in Scotland.
“Members of the Select Committee from all political parties agree that minimum pricing is a bold, practical policy that will tackle the worst effects of problem drinking without penalising the majority of responsible drinkers.
“Their report drives a coach and horses through the arguments of those who oppose the Scottish Government’s proposals.
“In Lanarkshire, the equivalent of one person dies as a result of alcohol every single day, a shocking waste of life and human potential. We cannot stand back and allow this to continue.
“The SNP Government’s minimum pricing policy is based on clear evidence and would have a real and positive impact.
“Just as they did with the smoking ban, MSPs from all parties must unite to support it. The health and wellbeing of Scotland’s communities is too important to be cynically used for scoring party political points.”