House of Commons · Westminster Hall
08 July 2025 · 9 other contributors · 11,060 words
Opened by Cat Smith Lab Lancaster and Wyre
Responding minister: Ashley Dalton
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Cat Smith raised concerns about alcohol and cancer in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The lead MP calls for raising awareness about the risks of alcohol consumption and its link to cancer, urging the government to take more action on this issue.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The debate highlights the shocking statistics of alcohol-related deaths increasing by 42% over a five-year period, with 17,000 cancers annually linked to alcohol consumption. It also mentions that one in every 20 cancer cases is attributable to alcohol and around one in 10 breast cancer cases are due to alcohol.
Asked if the Minister would consider minimum alcohol pricing per unit in Scotland as a potential intervention for reducing alcohol harm.
Noted that the Home Office leads on drug and alcohol issues, and plans to publish further information in the national cancer plan later this year. Also discussed mandatory labelling for health warnings and nutritional information on alcohol products.
Alcohol can cause or increase the risk of cancer, particularly breast, bowel, mouth, larynx, pharynx, oesophagus, and liver. Dr Johnson emphasised the importance of education on alcohol risks, questioning how the government intends to improve public understanding and inform decisions regarding consumption.
Highlighted the lack of awareness regarding the link between alcohol and cancer. Mentioned that at least seven cancers are linked to alcohol intake, including breast, bowel, and liver cancer.
Focused on early intervention initiatives like Community Alcohol Partnerships to tackle excessive alcohol consumption. Emphasized the need for public awareness of alcohol harm, highlighting that more than one in four alcohol-attributable deaths were due to cancer. Stressed the importance of early intervention to prevent alcohol-related health issues and dependency.
Discussed the impact of alcohol on health, highlighting higher rates of alcohol-related hospital admissions and deaths in his constituency compared to national averages. He also mentioned a correlation between deprivation and alcohol consumption and its link with violence against women and girls. Emphasised the need for a comprehensive alcohol strategy focusing on reducing consumption and supporting dependent drinkers. Asked if the upcoming treatment framework will be informed by a new alcohol strategy since 2012.
Welcomed the Government's excellent NHS plan, highlighting preventable causes of cancer including overweight, obesity, processed meat consumption, and drinking alcohol. Emphasised the importance of educating young people about healthy lifestyles.
Discussed the high rate of alcohol-related hospital admissions and cancers in her constituency. Advocated for a comprehensive strategy within the 10-year health plan, including measures such as new alcohol labelling with warnings about cancer links.
He agrees with the need for research on health costs due to alcohol overconsumption and suggests balancing these against tax revenues from alcohol.
Government Response
Ashley DaltonThe Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
Recognises the high rates of alcohol-specific deaths and their impact on the NHS. Emphasised that alcohol is a type 1 carcinogen linked to over 200 health conditions. Acknowledged the need for early intervention, education, and addressing poverty-related issues.