McMillan Welcomes House of Commons Committee Support for Minimum Pricing

Stuart McMillan MSP, (SNP) has today (Friday) welcomed the publication of a major report by an influential cross party committee of Westminster MPs, which has recommended the UK Government follow the Scottish Government’s lead in proposing a minimum price for alcohol.

The House of Commons Health Select Committee acknowledged the crippling effect of alcohol on society and said that imposing a minimum price could save up to 3000 lives a year in the UK. The report "flatly rejects as a myth" the suggestion that minimum pricing would unfairly affect moderate drinkers.

Releasing the report, Committee Chair and senior Labour MP, Rt Hon Kevin Barron said:

"The facts about alcohol misuse are shocking. Successive governments have failed to tackle the problem and it is now time for bold government."

Welcoming the Committee’s conclusions, SNP MSP Mr McMillan called on Members of the Scottish Parliament currently opposing similar measures in the Scottish Government’s Alcohol Bill to follow the lead of their UK counterparts and back this crucial legislation.

Mr McMillan said;

"This report only serves to further highlight the growing support for introducing minimum pricing in Scotland as an important measure in tackling the countries drinking culture.

"Members of the Select Committee from all political parties agree that minimum pricing is a bold, practical policy that will tackle the worst effects of problem drinking without penalising the majority of responsible drinkers.

"I have recently received supportive letters from the Chief Executive of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and the Chief Executive of West Dunbartonshire Council to the introduction of minimum pricing.

"Therefore, I continue to urge all Members of the Scottish Parliament to support the Scottish Government's Alcohol etc. (Scotland) Bill and show that we are serious about tackling the binge drinking culture in Scotland."