Health experts demand minimum alcohol pricing in England to combat harms

In recent months, health experts in England have voiced concerns over the government's measures to address alcohol-related harm, deeming them inadequate in tackling the growing crisis. In a letter addressed to Health Secretary Wes Streeting, 34 leaders from various health organizations highlighted that the current approach fails to address the scale and complexity of alcohol misuse. They emphasized the need for ambitious actions, particularly the introduction of minimum unit pricing (MUP) for alcoholic beverages in England, similar to what has been implemented in Scotland and Wales. The Welsh Government has initiated a consultation to maintain MUP beyond March 2026, proposing an increase in the unit price from 50p to 65p, which officials estimate could reduce harmful drinking by nearly 5,000 individuals. Meanwhile, experts in England argue that persistently high levels of risky drinking continue to significantly impact public health, with annual alcohol-related hospital admissions exceeding one million. Among the recommendations from health experts are proposals for local governments to have more authority in regulating alcohol sales, including controlling delivery hours and advertising, which they suggest should align with regulations for unhealthy foods. Additionally, they called for changes to alcohol taxation and increased funding for local alcohol care teams to enhance treatment and recovery support. These measures are also part of the broader context of the government's 10-Year Health Plan, which aims to improve health outcomes by addressing various public health issues, including alcohol consumption. However, the experts stress that the public deserves more robust action and argue that timely implementation of these proposals could significantly reduce the burden of alcohol harm within the government's current term, benefiting families, the NHS, and the economy.