Alcohol-related deaths climb massive 42 per cent on five years ago: Experts put desperate call out to Wes Streeting to make 'life-saving' change
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Medical experts have called on Wes Streeting to implement a 'life saving' scheme as alcohol-related death see a 'catastrophic' rise of 42 per cent over 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'.
![[In a letter to Wes Streeting (Pictured), the medical expert demanded England have a minimum unit pricing (MUP) scheme, similar to Scotland's which they described as 'life-saving']](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/19/01/93299029-14208145-image-a-41_1734571819812.jpg)
The group – which is made up of medical royal colleges, charities, treatment providers and academics – believe this number is only a fraction of the total deaths where alcohol was a contributing factor. The AHA has called for urgent action from Wes Streeting to redress the 'alarming trend', whilst highlighting a 42% rise in deaths 'solely' cause by alcohol since 2019.
![[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' (stock image)]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/19/01/93299013-14208145-image-a-31_1734571676884.jpg)
In a letter to the Health Secretary, the medical experts demanded England have a minimum unit pricing (MUP) scheme similar to Scotland's, which they described as 'life-saving'. They also slammed the government for 'inaction across the board' which has 'led English deaths to spiral'.
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 progress of the initiative in Scotland. Last October when the government was asked if they had intentions of introducing the scheme, Home Office minister Dame Diana Johnson said they were working 'closely across government to better understand what can be done'.
