Number of alcohol-related deaths unchanged after 8 years of Labour government - Burstow

4.30.16pm UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 1st Sep 2006

Research undertaken by Paul Burstow reveals a worrying lack of progress in tackling alcohol-related deaths in the last 8 years of Labour government.

The information, which was received by Mr Burstow in response to parliamentary questions, relates to the number of deaths attributable to alcohol in each London Borough since 1997. The figures show that there were 744 alcohol-related deaths in London in 2005, only two less than in 1997 when 746 people died alcohol related deaths.

The figures show a gradual downward trend since 2002 when deaths peaked at 838, but a longer reading reveals the lack of real progress which has been made since 1997.

The highest number alcohol-related deaths in 2005 occurred in Bromley (40), just 6 fewer than the highest since 1997 when 46 deaths occurred in Hounslow in 2003. On average, 23 deaths occurred in each borough in 2005.

Commenting on the findings, Paul Burstow said:

"These findings show beyond doubt that alcohol is a killer, to say nothing of the countless injuries, negative social effects and other health problems which result from the excessive consumption of alcohol."

"In the light of this information, the fact that as many people died as a direct result of alcohol consumption last year as in 1997 demonstrates that Ministers have failed to get a grip of the problem."