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Alcohol Harm
17 March 2020
Lead MP
Fiona Bruce
Congleton
Con
Responding Minister
Helen Whately
Tags
NHS
Word Count: 12204
Other Contributors: 8
At a Glance
Fiona Bruce raised concerns about alcohol harm in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Fiona Bruce asks that the Government produce an up-to-date alcohol harm strategy to address the rising levels of alcohol-related harm, citing recommendations from previous reports. She also urges the Minister to reconsider minimum unit pricing and alcohol labelling regulations to support informed decision-making and reduce excessive drinking.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The concern is about the long-term harm caused by excessive alcohol consumption in the UK. Fiona Bruce cites statistics such as over 10 million people drinking at levels that increase health risks, more than 80 daily deaths from alcohol-related causes, and over 25% of A&E work being alcohol-related. She mentions the impact on families, with about 200,000 children living with an alcohol-dependent parent. The speaker emphasizes the lack of a current strategy addressing these issues adequately and highlights the need for immediate action despite the ongoing health crisis.
Damian Collins
Con
Folkestone and Hythe
The hon. Member for Folkestone and Hythe acknowledges the impact of alcohol on society, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children living with alcoholic parents, and expresses concern about the systemic issue where the Home Office leads on alcohol strategy despite health concerns falling under Health Ministers.
Gregory Campbell
DUP
East Londonderry
He congratulates the hon. Lady on a timely debate and raises concern about reduced social interaction due to exceptional circumstances, which may lead to a spike in at-home alcohol consumption.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Mr Shannon highlighted the issue of alcohol-related harm affecting various demographics across the UK. He cited statistics such as 80 daily deaths and over 11,000 hospital admissions in Northern Ireland due to alcohol. Additionally, he noted a high correlation between alcohol consumption and health inequalities, with alcohol-linked violent crime being particularly prevalent. Mr Jim Shannon intervened to compliment Ms Liz Twist on her speech and suggested that the blueprint for tackling alcohol harm should be applied across the United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland. Mr Shannon spoke about moderation and controlling temptation as key to addressing alcohol harm. He also pointed out the social difficulties caused by excessive consumption. Urged the Minister to contact each of the regional devolved Administrations in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales to gauge a universal policy for the whole of the United Kingdom based on evidence from other parts.
John Howell
Con
Henley
He asks if the effects of drinking alcohol can lead to permanent difficulties such as infertility for men trying to start a family. Suggests lowering the drink-driving limit due to significant alcohol-related fatalities and hospital admissions. Emphasises the need for both men and women to consider alcohol consumption when planning a pregnancy, citing Public Health England's report on alcohol being the leading risk factor for ill health between ages 15-49. Mr Howell discussed drink-drive limits and highlighted the issue of drinking before conception, a topic not often addressed in debates.
Justin Madders
Lab
Ellesmere Port and Bromborough
Mr Madders highlighted the ongoing issue of alcohol harm beyond the current crisis, emphasizing its societal impact. He cited alarming statistics such as eight daily deaths due to alcohol and a 44% rise in alcohol-related hospital admissions over the past decade. Mr Madders also discussed the economic costs, including £3.5 billion spent by NHS England annually on alcohol-related issues. Additionally, he raised concerns about funding cuts to public health services, noting that local authorities are still uncertain about their allocations for next year.
Kenny MacAskill
SNP
Na h-Eileanan an Iar
Mr MacAskill thanked the hon. Member for Congleton and highlighted the universal issue of alcohol harm across the UK and Ireland, stating that more education alone will not work to tackle this problem. He called for action on affordability, availability, and advertising. Mr MacAskill mentioned the importance of minimum unit pricing but also stressed it needs to be complemented by other tax regimes. He emphasized the need to control the number of off-sale alcohol outlets and restrict alcohol advertising, likening alcohol to a licensed drug rather than just another product. Mr MacAskill addressed the affordability, availability, and advertising aspects of tackling alcohol harm. He emphasized the need to go beyond education by focusing on off-sales trends as well.
Liz Twist
Lab
Blaydon and Consett
Ms Liz Twist highlighted the rising alcohol-related admission rates in Gateshead, increasing from 817 per 100,000 to 1,045 per 100,000 between 2010-11 and 2018-19. She supported minimum unit pricing, citing Sheffield University research predicting it could reduce alcohol-related deaths by 8,000 annually and emphasized the importance of pubs in communities. Ms Twist focused on minimum unit pricing, citing a University of Sheffield study demonstrating its benefits. She noted that 48% of publicans support this measure and stressed the need for a holistic approach to alcohol harm.
Patricia Gibson
SNP
North Ayrshire and Arran
Discussed the impact of alcohol abuse on families, communities, and individuals. Cited statistics such as 686 weekly hospital admissions and 22 deaths due to alcohol in Scotland, and highlighted measures like banning irresponsible promotions and reducing legal alcohol limits for drivers. Emphasized the need for minimum unit pricing for alcohol, noting a reduction in off-trade sales per adult by 3.6% after its implementation in Scotland. Asked the Minister whether tackling the consequences of alcohol addiction is less effective than addressing the problem at its source, given that cider and some of the highest content alcohol is on sale for less than a bottle of water or milk.
Government Response
Helen Whately
Government Response
I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Congleton on securing the debate and acknowledge her substantial contributions to the conversation about alcohol harm. The minister highlights that despite an overall decrease in drinking among young people, there are still significant issues with alcohol misuse affecting healthcare demand and patient outcomes. She outlines several initiatives aimed at reducing this impact, including introducing alcohol care teams in hospitals, investing £6 million to improve support for children of alcohol-dependent parents, and funding improvements through the NHS long-term plan. The minister also mentions the Government's commitment to increase availability of low-alcohol products by 2025, monitor labelling guidelines, and develop clinical guidelines for alcohol treatment. Additionally, she discusses the budget provision of £46 million to support individuals with multiple complex needs including substance abuse, and £262 million for substance misuse treatment services under the rough sleepers programme. The minister addresses concerns about minimum unit pricing and states that while there are no current plans for its implementation in England, evidence from Scotland and Wales is being monitored.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.