Doctors call on UK to follow Scotland's lead

Action on Scotland’s problem with alcohol is essential as two key reports released today show the impact alcohol is having on Scottish society.

Homicide figures released today show that 53% of those accused of homicide were under the influence of alcohol at the time of the murder.

The statistics come as the Chief Medical Officers annual report on Scotland’s health states: “Obesity, poor diet and excessive alcohol consumption continue to be a cause of unacceptable levels of ill health which are inequitably distributed across society.”

At the same time Doctors and public health professionals have called on the UK Government to follow Scotland’s lead and propose a minimum price per unit of alcohol.

SNP MSP and Deputy Convener of the Health Committee Bob Doris said: “Alcohol is a problem that affects all parts of our society.

“With today’s shocking figures on the number of murders committed under the influence of alcohol we should take every possible step to cut consumption and change Scotland’s drinking culture.

“Over half of homicides in Scotland are under the influence of alcohol and the high level of alcohol consumed in Scotland is hampering efforts to improve our nation’s health.

“The action we have already taken to cut deep discounting of alcohol and to improve treatment for those with alcohol problems is a start but there is more to do.

“I welcome the support of doctors in England for the introduction of minimum pricing.  Scotland is determined to put an end to pocket money prices for alcohol.

“I call on all other parties to look at the evidence, to see the damage alcohol is doing and to listen to the experts and back a minimum price for alcohol as part of a package of measures to tackle the problems alcohol causes in our society.”

Notes:

Official statistics on homicide rates show that Most people accused of murder were under the influence of alcohol or drugs (79 percent of known cases), with over half under the influence of alcohol (53 percent of known cases)

In a letter to the Telegraph 19 public health leaders call on the UK to introduce minimum pricing saying “There is a push towards a minimum price for each unit of alcohol in the devolved nations of the United Kingdom, with the SNP leading the debate in Scotland. This is a simple and effective mechanism for the Scottish Government to control alcohol prices”(http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/letters/8954825/Cost-of-cheap-alcohol.html)