FORMER SCOTTISH FIRST MINISTER BACKS ALCOHOL PLANS.

FORMER SCOTTISH FIRST MINISTER BACKS ALCOHOL PLANS.

CONSENSUS BUILDING FOR ACTION ON RETAIL PRICE.

Former Labour First Minister Henry McLeish has urged parties to take a “once in a lifetime opportunity to turn Scotland in a new direction” by taking action on alcohol and accepting minimum pricing in an article in the latest edition of Holyrood Magazine (6th April 2009).

SNP MSP and Health Committee member Michael Matheson today welcomed Mr McLeish’s support and pointed to the increasing consensus in favour of minimum pricing as part of efforts to tackle Scotland’s problem with alcohol.

Writing in Holyrood Mr McLeish describes Scotland’s alcohol issues as an “embarrassment” on the world stage that "is a threat to our status as a civilised country" as he calls on Scots to take a collective responsibility for the problems caused by alcohol consumption in Scotland.

Mr McLeish described as “spurious” arguments that minimum pricing would effect everyone, pointing out that “over-consumption and abuse of alcohol in Scotland is not a minority pastime” and disputes the “special pleading” of the drinks industry, stating that self-regulation by the drinks industry is “not good for a nation that has to pick up the pieces and fix the social wreckage.”

Welcoming his support MSP Michael Matheson said;

“Henry McLeish has added his voice to the increasing consensus for action to tackle Scotland’s alcohol problem.

“Anyone who takes the time to look at the evidence understands that minimum pricing is an essential part of the package to cut the health, social and economic costs of alcohol to our society.

“With the BMA, ACPOS, the Royal Colleges of Nurses and Physicians, the Scottish Licensed Trade Association and many others now supporting minimum pricing and with representatives of the drinks industry indicating a willingness to discuss the issue with government there is a real tide for change building up.

“Our national problem with alcohol is a dependency and an embarrassment we can not afford and must be determined to change.

“It is time for all parties to look at the evidence, to listen to the experts and not the special interest pleading of supermarkets and commit to changing Scotland’s relationship with alcohol.”