Donaldson stands firm on drink plan

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Sir Liam Donaldson called for a minimum price of 50p per unit of alcohol to be introduced, saying the UK has a drinking problem and tough action is needed to tackle it.

He said research shows that cheap alcohol and ready availability are key factors behind the increase in drinking and associated issues such as crime and violence.

Measures to control price and access need to be the backbone of any plan aimed at addressing the problem.

"If a plan is not adopted we have to ask 'Where is Plan B or do we just simply want to tolerate this drink problem that this country has?'"

He said substantial effects would be seen immediately from the 50p-per-unit minimum alone, including 3,393 fewer deaths each year, 97,900 fewer hospital admissions and 45,800 fewer crimes.

But the Prime Minister said there were no plans to penalise the majority of drinkers, who drink sensibly.

He said: "We have taken action to tackle binge and under-age drinking and it's right that we do so. It's right for society to bear down on and deal with anti-social behaviour that's associated with drinking.

"But as we crack down on binge and under-age drinking it's also right that we do not want the responsible sensible majority of moderate drinkers to have to pay more or suffer as a result of the excesses of a small minority."

Mr Brown said that was the context in which the Government would study Sir Liam's report.