LABOUR SIDE WITH TORIES AGAINST “NATIONAL DUTY”

LABOUR SIDE WITH TORIES AGAINST “NATIONAL DUTY”
SNP COMMITMENT TO TACKLING ALCOHOL WILL CONTINUE
The SNP tonight attacked Labour’s disgraceful decision to vote with the Tories against Scotland’s national interest and public health as they voted for a Conservative amendment in an attempt to block the introduction of essential measures to tackle Scotland’s problems with alcohol.
The move, which failed to win the support of a majority of MSPs, saw Labour and the Tories go against a call from the BMA who said it is our “national duty to ensure we do all we can to tackle this epidemic” and urged MSPs to “put aside party differences and vote for health”
Labour’s health spokesperson made clear she was voting with the Tories to hole the policy “below the waterline” – despite claiming she would listen to Labour’s alcohol commission if it recommended minimum pricing.
Of Labour members only Labour MSP and former Health Minister Malcolm Chisholm voted based on the evidence presented to Parliament and in support of the Health committee’s report.
SNP MSP Michael Matheson said:
“This is a disgraceful vote by Labour.  Siding with the Tories against Scotland’s national interest is a real betrayal of Scotland’s public health.
“It is a damning indictment of the state of the Labour party that they have put a political alliance with the Tories ahead of the health of the Scottish people.
“There is widespread agreement from public health professionals, the drinks industry, the police and justice community, children’s charities, two former Labour health ministers and even a supermarket that minimum pricing is a necessary part of tackling our problems with alcohol.
“Unfortunately for Labour and the Tories they failed to win the support of a majority of MSPs for their politically motivated attack on these essential health plans and will be roundly condemned by those outside Parliament who expect politicians to put party aside for public health.
“The Tory proposals in England do not have the desired effect on problem drinking and Labour has so far put forward no alternative proposals despite accepting that price is a major factor in alcohol consumption.
“After today it seems Labour’s irresponsible attitude extends beyond ruining the economy to colluding with the Tories in refusing to support sensible measures to improve Scotland’s public health.”