A Liberal Democrat MP has backed the introduction of minimum pricing as a method to reduce alcohol health risks. Leeds North West MP Greg Mulholland noted his support for the scheme during a debate in the House of Commons.

He stated that there is a problem with alcohol abuse in the UK, adding that he wants to stamp out "drinking that leads to inappropriate, irresponsible behaviour, antisocial behaviour and crime, or drinking that damages health".

The problem is not the substance itself, Mr Mulholland remarked, but rather how it is treated and misused. He added that the "situation is not as simple as the figures suggest", observing that fixed-cost structure should not be decided by parliament. It was recently announced that Drinkaware was setting up a national advisory panel to look into the impacts of alcohol dependence. The group will consist of six professionals who all have different areas of expertise ranging from the liver, mental health and oral cancer. Posted by Anthony Garner