In response to the Government’s announcement on drinks labelling today, the British Liver Trust has issued the following statement:
Alison Rogers, Chief Executive of the British Liver Trust, says: “The time for consultation is over. The alcohol industry has shown that it is not capable of acting collectively for the good of public health and the code should be mandatory and strictly enforced.
“The Government has been talking about this for over 10 years now, stalling at every opportunity, even though their own Department of Health funded research showed significant non-compliance. We find it disgraceful and quite incredible that the government has launched yet another round of consultation on this issue. The drinks industry has had more than enough time to get its house in order and has demonstrated very clearly that it will not do so.”
In 2007, the Trust warned that if we continue with the very 'softly softly' approach to the whole issue of alcohol it would be at a horrendous health, social and economic cost to the UK. Three years later we are already seeing the devastating effect alcohol is having on the healthcare system, costing the taxpayer £2.7billion per year.
ENDS
For further information please contact: Sarah Matthews
Phone: 01425 481 320
Out of hours: 07968 366 526
Email: sarah.matthews@britishlivertrust.org.uk
Web: www.britishlivertrust.org.uk
British Liver Trust, 2 Southampton Road, Ringwood, BH24 1HY
Editor’s Note:
1. Government mortality statistics for the UK indicate that deaths from liver disease continue to rise, increasing by 12% in the last three years, totalling 46,244 lives lost. In 2008, liver disease killed 16,087 people – a 4.5% increase from 2007. If these rates continue, deaths from liver disease are predicted to double in 20 years.
2. This graph, produced by the British Liver Trust, illustrates the true extent of liver disease in the UK. Liver disease, when compared to the other five big causes of death, is the only one showing a steady increase year-on-year.
3. The British Liver Trust is Britain’s only national liver disease charity for adults. We work to improve the lives of people suffering from liver disease with key roles in education, support and research. We rely on voluntary contributions from individuals and funding from companies and charitable trusts.
4. The Trust is working urgently to encourage prevention and investment in treatment and care for people with liver disease. Much of the increasing incidence of liver disease stems from lifestyle trends – relating to alcohol, obesity and viral hepatitis. However, liver disease has many other causes including genetics, abnormalities in the immune system and even the medicines we take. The Trust is working to raise awareness about the liver and combat the stigma associated with liver disease.
5. The Trust provides a comprehensive website www.britishlivertrust.org.uk, free medical helpline – 0800 652 7330, and distributes a wide range of information leaflets to individuals and healthcare professionals. In addition, the Trust is a contact point for support groups nationwide, as well as co-ordinating funding and providing support for research.
|