Former MP to chair Drinkaware group

The Drinkaware Trust today announced that Debra Shipley has been selected as its new Chair.

Debra was formerly Member of Parliament for Stourbridge having stood down at the 2005 election.

Shipley is best known for gaining wide support for child protection issues, culminating in the Protection of Children Act 1999.

She has also campaigned on children's issues including TV advertising and food.

She said: "I am delighted to have been chosen to chair The Drinkaware Trust and am very excited by the opportunity we have in this unique partnership.​

"I believe that the challenge of reducing harm caused by alcohol misuse is one of the key issues facing today's society.

"It impacts on individuals, families and communities.

I believe that the challenge of reducing harm caused by alcohol misuse is one of the key issues facing today's society​New Drinkaware chair Debra Shipley.

"Drinkaware will campaign to increase awareness of harm caused by misuse of alcohol, to challenge attitudes and to improve behaviour."

Her appointment appears to have gone down well.

Public Health Minister Caroline Flint said: "Debra Shipley's appointment as Chair marks a key milestone in the life of the Drinkaware Trust and it is an important step towards the charity becoming fully independent.​

"Information needs to be easily available to help everyone become more aware of the health and personal safety risks that alcohol misuse can bring, to help change binge drinking culture and encourage people to make informed choices.

"The Trust will play a vital role in making this happen."

Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker said: "The Drinkaware Trust will play a vital role in helping the Government tackle alcohol misuse and related harms and I wish Debra all the best in this important role and look forward to working with her to help change the drinking culture in the UK."​

Professor Ian Gilmore, President of the Royal College of Physicians and a member of the steering group set up to oversee the setting up of Drinkaware said: "I really welcome the appointment of Debra Shipley as Chairman of this new independent trust.​

"She brings just the right set of skills, coupled with commitment and experience, to help tackle the escalating burden of health damage from alcohol misuse.

"The Royal College of Physicians looks forward to working closely with her."

Andrew Morgan, President of Diageo Europe and a member of the steering group said: "I am delighted that we have been able to appoint such an energetic and accomplished Chair of the new Trust.​

"Debra will have Diageo's full support in her quest to reduce the misuse of alcohol."