[e-petition - UK] Minimum unit price for alcohol will save lives

The British Medical Association has launched an e-petition to call on the UK government not to backtrack on its plans to introduce minimum unit pricing (MUP). MUP is shown in models and in practice in Canada to help reduce the harm associated with the heaviest forms of drinking - and in effect will eliminate the bottom end supermarket and low brand lagers and ciders that are bought in high volume and consumed by the most vulnerable parts of our populations.

With this e-petition, the British Medical Association urges the UK Government to introduce a MUP and show courage in tackling a problem that causes devastation to thousands of families affected by alcoholism and the billions spent by the National Health Service (NHS) every year treating disease caused by alcohol misuse.

Recent major health reports show that Britain faces an enormous burden from alcohol. With death rates from liver disease rising by 65% over the past 20 years, Westminster cannot afford to do nothing.

The UK Government made a clear commitment to introduce a MUP for alcohol in its alcohol strategy published in March 2012.

This e-petition is open to British citizens or British residents – please sign it and promote it among your organisations and networks.

Sign this e-petition