For Immediate Release: Tuesday, 22 February 2011
Attn: NEWSDESKS
POLITICAL / HEALTH / JUSTICE CORRESPONDENTS
Commenting on remarks made by Labour’s health spokesperson today where she said that Labour would now support increasing the price of alcohol SNP MSP Michael Matheson – a member of the Scottish Parliament’s Health Committee – said it was the depths of hypocrisy since they had failed to support or promote any measures when the Alcohol Bill went through Parliament.
Quoted today on the issue of alcohol-related admissions in 2009 to A&Es Jackie Baillie said:
"If Labour forms the next Government in Scotland we will seriously consider measures to increase the price of alcohol”
Yet during the passage of the Alcohol Bill Labour opposed all minimum pricing suggestions, a proposed sunset clause and failed to bring forward any amendments for increasing price.
Commenting Mr Matheson said:
“This is utter and complete hypocrisy from Jackie Baillie and the Labour party. They had a chance in the past year to pass legislation that addressed this very issue and voted against ANY measures to increase the price of alcohol! They failed to even put forward amendments or accept a sunset clause.
“How many people will now suffer from the effects of cheap alcohol because of this unbelievable and shameless hypocrisy from Labour? It is disgraceful behaviour, not worthy of someone who seeks governmental office.
“Jackie Baillie and Labour have questions to answer on why they played politics over the serious issue of cheap alcohol and its associated health and social problems.”
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