Medical experts have called on Wes Streeting to implement a plan to “save lives” as alcohol-related deaths have seen a “catastrophic” 42 per cent rise in the last five years.
In 2023, 8,274 people died as a result of alcohol consumption, however the Alcohol Health Alliance (AHA) said this figure was the “tip of the iceberg”.
The group, made up of royal medical schools, charities, treatment providers and academics, believes this figure is just a fraction of the total deaths in which alcohol was a contributing factor.
The AHA has called for urgent action by Wes Streeting to correct the “alarming trend”, while highlighting a 42% increase in deaths caused “solely” by alcohol since 2019.
In a letter to the Health Secretary, medical experts demanded England have a minimum unit price (MUP) scheme similar to Scotland, which they described as a “lifesaver”.
They also criticized the government for “inaction across the board”, which has “led to a spiral of English deaths”.
In March 2020, the previous government said there were “no plans for the introduction of MUP in England”, although it would continue to monitor the initiative’s progress in Scotland.
Last October, when the government was asked if they intended to introduce the scheme, Home Office minister Diana Johnson said they were working “closely across government to better understand what can be done”.
Medical experts have called on Wes Streeting to implement a plan to “save lives” as alcohol-related deaths have seen a “catastrophic” 42 per cent rise in the last five years (file image)
In a letter to Wes Streeting (pictured), the medical expert demanded England have a minimum unit price (MUP) scheme, similar to Scotland’s, which he described as a “lifesaver”.
Lord Darzi’s blunt review of the NHS in England highlights how alcohol “is becoming more affordable over time and deaths are rising at an alarming rate”.
The AHA letter, seen by the PA news agency, adds that the “alcohol harm crisis” will only increase if measures are not taken to reduce alcohol consumption.
“Deaths caused by alcohol alone have increased by a catastrophic 42% since 2019,” the letter said.
‘After decades of inaction, we urge you to make your New Year’s resolution to correct this alarming trend and stop the unnecessary suffering of countless people, their children, families and communities across the country.
‘In 2023, 8,274 people will lose their lives due to alcohol – the sharpest end of a spectrum of harm that spreads across society and is putting increasing pressures on our economy and health services.
“This figure can be seen as the tip of the iceberg, as it reflects deaths entirely attributable to alcohol and not those in which alcohol was a contributing factor, a figure that is likely three times higher.”
The letter also noted that almost 950,000 hospital admissions in England each year were alcohol-related.
It concluded: “If left unchecked, the alcohol harm crisis will only grow further, placing an increasing burden on our health system, economy and society.” We know what works and now is the time to act.”
Professor Sir Ian Gilmore, president of the AHA, said: “These new statistics are a stark reminder of the devastating impact that alcohol has on our society, not only in the lives lost but also in the broken families and communities left behind.” .
In 2023, 8,274 people died as a result of alcohol consumption; However, the Alcohol Health Alliance (AHA) said this figure was the “tip of the iceberg” (file image)
‘Each of the 8,274 deaths in 2023 represents a life tragically cut short, a loved one whose absence leaves a void that can never be filled.
‘Alcohol-related harm does not occur in isolation. It spreads through families, often leaving children to bear the brunt of the pain and trauma.
“The devastating rise in alcohol deaths should serve as an alarm for the new government to act urgently.”
And he added: ‘We have the evidence and we know the solutions. Now is the time to show that we value human lives over profits.
‘Without bold and decisive action, these preventable deaths will continue to rise. “Addressing alcohol harm must be a top public health priority in 2025, and requires an intergovernmental effort to turn the tide on this public health crisis.”
MailOnline has approached the Department of Health and Social Care for comment.