MINIMUM PRICING – GRAY MUST COMMIT TO FULL AND OPEN DEBATE

MINIMUM PRICING – GRAY MUST COMMIT TO FULL AND OPEN DEBATE
RUMOURS LABOUR IS TO REJECT MINIMUM PRICING
Responding to suggestions that the Scottish Labour party is preparing to reject the Scottish Government’s proposal for a minimum price for alcohol – when new alcohol legislation is published tomorrow – SNP MSP Dr Ian McKee urged Labour and other opposition parties to listen to the evidence on the bill.

It has been suggested that Labour will reject minimum pricing tomorrow before the Health Committee even begins to take evidence. It is understood the Labour party are split on the policy and that this has led to numerous disputes within the Labour group.

Dr McKee, a former GP and member of the Health committee said:
“If this speculation is true Labour’s leadership will disappoint people across Scotland’s health sector and many members of their own party – including their own MSPs.

“With rumours already circulating that Labour are set to reject minimum pricing for alcohol Iain Gray must take this opportunity to commit to giving all aspects of the bill a full parliamentary hearing.

“When so many public health, crime, justice and alcohol industry representatives know the benefits minimum pricing will bring it would be a disgraceful decision for any party to reject this bill before they have heard the evidence.

“All of the UK’s Chief Medical Officers, Scotland’s Police Chiefs, the BMA, the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, Royal College of Physicians, the Episcopal Church and members of the alcohol trade support minimum pricing.

“When the bill is published Labour must commit to give this legislation a fair hearing in Parliament. To reject legislation that will save lives, families and billions of pounds without hearing any of the evidence would be utterly irresponsible.

“When the SNP pushed for legislation to ban smoking in public places Labour’s initial reaction was to oppose the measure - now it is one of Parliament’s greatest achievements.

“There is an overwhelming bulk of evidence in favour of minimum pricing and for Labour to ignore that evidence in favour of lobbyists for cheap booze would be a disgrace to Labour and to Parliament.”