LABOUR PLAY POLITICS WITH NATION’S HEALTH

LABOUR PLAY POLITICS WITH NATION’S HEALTH

RESEARCH SHOWS MINIMUM PRICING WOULD SAVE NHS MILLIONS

LABOUR PLAY POLITICS WITH NATION’S HEALTH

Commenting on the news that the University of Sheffield has released new research showing the positive effect a minimum price of alcohol could have, Michael Matheson MSP has called on the Labour party in the Scottish Parliament to stop playing party politics, and to instead think about the nation’s health.

The research released today (Wednesday 24^th March) shows that, if SNP proposals were to be given the go-ahead, then they could save the NHS millions of pounds each year, and improve the nation’s health. While the new Sheffield figures focus on England, the alcohol problem is known to be more severe in Scotland and therefore the impact of minimum pricing will be more effective.

Commenting, Health Committee member, Michael Matheson MSP said:

“This is just the latest in a series of studies from health experts showing the positive impact that a minimum price on alcohol could bring.

“It is beggars belief how Labour can turn a blind eye to expert opinion and not back this action, which would not only save the taxpayer over £2 billion a year but save lives and families from the misery that irresponsible alcohol consumption causes.

“According to this latest survey of the University of Sheffield, if a minimum cost of 40p per unit was to be introduced in England, 1,200 lives could be save, 20,000 fewer people would be affected by illness - and it could save the healthcare system £270 million a year. With statistics like these, it is unbelievable that anyone could still play party politics with the issue.

“It is clear to everyone that Scotland’s relationship with alcohol needs to change. Minimum pricing won’t do it overnight but it’s a huge step in the right direction. The whole of the Scottish Parliament should be united in support of this plan and instead of cuddling up with the Tories on the issue, Labour should be on the side of health experts and professionals.

“We’ve all seen how Labour try and scaremonger the public, but Iain Gray’s ship is sinking to a new low with this one.”