Stop political pint scoring
RIVALS URGED TO BACK BOOZE HIKE MSP accuses Tories of blocking plans to boost health by raising minimum price
The SNP has called on all opposition parties to support its plan to hike the minimum unit price (MUP) of alcohol in Scotland.
Shona Robison, the Deputy First Minister, last week announced the government’s intention to raise the unit price from 50p to 65p from September.
If MSPs vote in favour, a 12-pack of 500ml Tennent’s Lager will rise from a minimum of £12 to £15.60 and a 70cl bottle of Famous Grouse will go up to £18.20 from a £14 minimum.
The policy is broadly supported by health experts and charities supporting those harmed by alcohol.
But critics claim MUP does little to help Scots already battling alcoholism and want funding boosted for addiction treatment services instead.
Clare Haughey, convener of the Scottish Parliament health committee, claimed all parties “owe it to the people of Scotland” to support the policy.
She pointed to evidence given by Alcohol Focus Scotland which estimates suggest raising the MUP to 65p could save 800 lives and prevent 10,000 hospital admissions. The increase in MUP is almost certain to pass as it will be supported by SNP and Green MSPs, who have a majority at Holyrood, but it is opposed by the Conservatives.
Robison previously admitted the policy was not a “magic bullet” in terms of improving health and accepted access to specialist treatment services remained vital for Scots addicts.
It comes as deaths from alcohol in Scotland are at a 14-year high, with many experts blaming the impact of Covid lockdowns on increasing consumption.
Haughey said: “Minimum unit pricing has made a real difference to those in Scotland who suffer harm as a result of alcohol.
“There is a vast array of evidence showing the benefits of this measure – with over 150 deaths and 411 hospital admissions estimated to have been prevented each year following the implementation of minimum unit pricing.
“However, despite the nearunanimous support among the medical community, the Scottish Tories seem intent on scoring political points and standing in the way of progress at every turn, withdrawing their support for a life-changing scheme which has transformed countless lives.”
Tess White, Tory deputy health spokeswoman, said: “Sadly, MUP has failed to reduce alcohol-related deaths in Scotland which are at their highest levels since 2008.
“MUP punishes responsible drinkers and in many cases forces problem drinkers to forgo meals in order to afford alcohol.
“I oppose the rise in MUP and would urge the SNP government to back the Right to Recovery bill which enshrines in law the right to treatment for alcoholism.”