Quakers unite on alcohol pricing
Faith groups send joint letter to the prime minister
Quaker action on Alcohol and Drugs (QAAD) has united with other faith groups in urging the prime minister to introduce a minimum unit price on all alcohol sold in Britain.
David Cameron has indicated that he may be willing to introduce a minimum price of forty to fifty pence per unit on alcohol but the group are worried that these plans may be dropped under pressure from the drinks industry. The government’s alcohol strategy will be announced later this month.
Helena Chambers, director of QAAD, said: ‘It is great to be working with other faith groups and charities on a common concern and in speaking out with a united voice. It is the first time, in my experience, that we in QAAD have been involved in this way on alcohol.’
A joint letter has been sent to the prime minister to urging him stand firm on his decision. It has been signed by representatives from the Methodist Church, QAAD, the Baptist Union, the Church of England, the United Reformed Church and the Evangelical Alliance. It has also been signed by the Street Angels, CNI Network, and Action for Children.
‘We are very encouraged by the statement by David Cameron,’ said Helena Chambers. ‘The subject of minimum pricing is critical. It has a real affect on the quality of life of so many families. But there are pressures on the government and the drinks industry has a vested interest in resisting change’.
