Glasgow SNP MSP Anne McLaughlin has welcomed the support of Glasgow’s Liberal Democrat and Green councillors for the principle of minimum pricing in the fight against the problems associated with alcohol abuse.

In a vote in Glasgow City council yesterday both groups joined with the SNP group to support a motion backing the principle of minimum pricing. Labour, once again, put party politics before public health by rejecting minimum pricing.

Commenting Ms McLaughlin said: “This is a very welcome development, and I hope that it will help shape their Holyrood group’s approach  as the evidence on minimum pricing comes before the Parliament.

“Our proposals are already backed by a broad coalition including doctors, nurses, the pub trade and the police, as well as all four of the UK’s Chief Medical Officers.

“The health and social problems arising from alcohol abuse are particularly acute in Glasgow and this vote shows that there is a growing coalition for serious action.

“Scotland's alcohol misuse problem must be tackled.  The statistics show how shocking the problem is: 42,500 alcohol-related hospital discharges; 1,500 deaths per year; soaring rates of liver cirrhosis; the eighth highest consumption in the world, and a 2.25 billion annual cost in public services and lost productivity.

"This should be an issue that is above the usual party politics.

“Steven Purcell may want to put party politics before public health on this issue but it would appear that the opposition in Glasgow are not so crass and opportunistic."

Notes:

1. The SNP Group motion reads:

"Council notes with concern the high and disproportionate impact the misuse of alcohol has on Glasgow's citizens and welcomes the committment of national and local Governments to tackle this.

Whilst Council notes there is no one answer to tackle this problem it welcomes the principle of minimum pricing which has an important role to play in tackling the misuse of alcohol in Glasgow."

2. Labour submitted an amendment, to say:

"Council is aware of the Scottish Government’s preferred option of minimum pricing but is concerned these proposals are flawed and untested."

3. The motion was  For Motion - 25; For Amended Motion 1 - 39; Abstained - 0.  The amended motion was carried.

4. The unamended motion was supported by the Liberal Democrat Group and the Green Group.