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Alcohol and Cancer
08 July 2025
Lead MP
Cat Smith
Lancaster and Wyre
Lab
Responding Minister
Ashley Dalton
Tags
NHS
Word Count: 11060
Other Contributors: 9
At a Glance
Cat Smith raised concerns about alcohol and cancer in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
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.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
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.
Alison Taylor
Lab
Paisley and Renfrewshire North
Asked if the Minister would consider minimum alcohol pricing per unit in Scotland as a potential intervention for reducing alcohol harm.
Ashley Dalton
Con
Lancaster and Wyre
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.
Caroline Johnson
Con
Sleaford and North Hykeham
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.
Winchester
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.
Frank McNally
Lab
Coatbridge and Bellshill
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.
Grahame Morris
Lab
Easington
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.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
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.
Lorraine Beavers
Lab
Blackpool North and Fleetwood
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.
Gregory Campbell
DUP
East Londonderry
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 Dalton
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
Government Response
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.
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Assessment & feedback
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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.