Medical experts have issued a desperate call to Health Secretary Wes Streeting, urging him to implement a ‘life-saving’ scheme after alcohol-related deaths in England surged by 42% over the last five years. In 2023 alone, 8,274 people lost their lives due to alcohol consumption, prompting experts to warn that this figure is only the “tip of the iceberg.”
A catastrophic rise in alcohol deaths
The Alcohol Health Alliance (AHA), a coalition of medical royal colleges, charities, treatment providers, and academics, believes the 8,274 deaths recorded in 2023 only represent those directly caused by alcohol. They argue that the true impact of alcohol-related harm is much higher, as the figure does not account for deaths where alcohol was a contributing factor. Estimates suggest this total could be three times higher, highlighting the scale of the crisis.
The AHA’s letter to Mr Streeting emphasised that the rise in alcohol deaths is “catastrophic,” with a shocking 42% increase in alcohol-related fatalities since 2019. The group warned that unless urgent action is taken, this alarming trend will continue, placing further strain on the nation’s healthcare system, economy, and society at large.
A call for minimum unit pricing (MUP)
In their letter, the AHA made an urgent plea for the introduction of a Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) scheme in England, similar to the one currently in place in Scotland. MUP is designed to raise the price of cheap, high-strength alcohol, thereby reducing consumption and, in turn, alcohol-related harm. The AHA described the Scottish initiative as “life-saving” and urged the government to follow suit before more lives are lost.
The government’s response to MUP has been lukewarm. While the previous government ruled out the introduction of MUP in England in March 2020, stating there were “no plans” to implement it, the Home Office has since said it is working “closely across government to better understand what can be done.”
The growing impact of alcohol harm
The letter also noted that nearly 950,000 hospital admissions in England each year are alcohol-related, putting immense pressure on the NHS. Professor Sir Ian Gilmore, chair of the AHA, described the latest statistics as a “stark reminder” of the devastating impact alcohol has on society. He stressed that each of the 8,274 deaths in 2023 represents not just a life lost, but a loved one left behind, with families and communities feeling the long-term repercussions.
“Alcohol-related harm does not occur in isolation,” he said. “It ripples through families, often leaving children to bear the brunt of grief and trauma. The devastating rise in alcohol deaths should serve as an alarm for the new government to act with urgency.”
A public health crisis
The AHA’s letter to Mr Streeting emphasised that alcohol-related harm is a public health crisis that requires immediate attention. With the numbers of deaths continuing to rise, experts believe there is a real risk that the alcohol harm crisis will only worsen, unless bold action is taken.
“Left unchecked, the alcohol harm crisis will escalate further,” the letter warned. “This will place an ever-greater burden on our healthcare system, economy, and society. We know what works, and now is the time to act.”
More Read
Professor Gilmore called for alcohol harm to become a top public health priority in 2025, with a cross-government effort to reduce alcohol consumption and prevent further deaths. “We have the evidence, and we know the solutions,” he said. “Now is the moment to show that we value human lives over profit.”
Government response
A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care acknowledged the severity of the alcohol harm crisis. “For too long, there has been an unwillingness to lead on issues like smoking, alcohol harm, and obesity. It is unacceptable that alcohol deaths are now at record high levels,” the spokesperson said.
The government’s 10-Year Health Plan aims to shift the focus of the NHS from treating sickness to preventing it, with a particular emphasis on public health measures. The spokesperson added, “This means prioritising public health initiatives to support people to live longer, healthier lives.”
A call for action
With alcohol-related deaths reaching record levels, experts are calling for immediate, decisive action to curb this growing crisis. The introduction of MUP in England, along with a stronger focus on public health initiatives, could provide a lifeline for those at risk. As the AHA urges, the time to act is now—before more lives are lost to the devastating impact of alcohol harm.
