Ulster Unionist Health Spokesperson Alan Chambers MLA has said the failure of the Executive to pass Minimum Unit Pricing on alcohol represents a profound missed opportunity to save lives, reduce harm, and tackle deep-rooted health inequalities across Northern Ireland.

The North Down MLA said:

“The evidence in favour of Minimum Unit Pricing is overwhelming and widely accepted across the public health community. Yet despite this, the DUP has decided to single-handedly use its Executive veto to shamefully block progress being made.

“Let us be absolutely clear, this decision will have real-world consequences. Lives that could have been saved will be lost. Families that could have been spared grief will instead suffer. Our already overstretched health service will continue to bear a burden that could have been reduced.

“As Minister, Mike Nesbitt has shown leadership and determination in repeatedly attempting to push for this measure. He has listened to clinicians, to public health experts, and to the data. He understands that Minimum Unit Pricing is not a silver bullet - but it is one of the most effective tools available to reduce alcohol harm.

“Every year in Northern Ireland, hundreds of people die as a direct result of alcohol. Thousands more are admitted to hospital.

“We know that Minimum Unit Pricing works. We have seen the evidence from Scotland, where it is saving lives. We know it targets the heaviest drinkers and reduces harm where it is most acute. And we know it would have made a meaningful difference here. The DUP previously supported this measure - yet have now u-turned still without any explanation.

“Even if the next mandate does deliver Minimum Unit Pricing, the reality is that the cost of this latest missed opportunity will be measured not just in pounds, but in lives lost.”