MPs call for update to Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy

On Thursday (2 February) there will be a debate on the issue in Westminster Hall, led by MPs Fiona Bruce, Bill Esterson and Liam Byrne.​

The Backbench Business Committee granted the debate after the MPs made the request at a meeting during December.  

During that meeting, Fiona Bruce, the Conservative MP for Congleton and chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Alcohol Harm, highlighted the publication of a report called The Frontline Battle​, which showed the impact alcohol has had on the emergency services.

She said it was a “massive national issue” and showed the current strategy is in need of an update. She said the report highlighted serious issues such as the fact that 80% of police that have been attacked while on duty were done so by someone under the influence of alcohol.   

“We are seeking an update to the out-of-date Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy. We believe the Government should actually address this,” she said.

Her views were backed by Labour MP Liam Byrne from Birmingham Hodge Hill.

He said: “It is pretty strange that the Government has not updated what was a pretty weak alcohol strategy last published in 2012.

"This is now the third biggest risk in Britain. It costing our country about £21bn a year. The problem is growing it is not diminishing.”

The Alcohol Strategy received a lukewarm response when it was published in 2012. Former Prime Minister David Cameron said at the time that the Government must “tackle the scourge of violence caused by binge-drinking” and had originally backed minimum pricing at 40p per unit.

However, alcohol awareness groups were concerned that the strategy did not sufficiently target “hidden binge drinkers”, while others were concerned it would penalise those who drink responsibly.

Bill Esterton, the MP for Sefton Central, will also lead the debate with Byrne and Bruce.