The SNP tonight attacked Labour’s
disgraceful decision to vote with the Tories against Scotland’s national
interest and public health as they voted for a Conservative amendment
in an attempt to block the introduction of essential measures to tackle
Scotland’s problems with alcohol.

The move, which failed to win the
support of a majority of MSPs, saw Labour and the Tories go against a
call from the BMA who said it is our “national duty to ensure we do all
we can to tackle this epidemic” and urged MSPs to “put aside party
differences and vote for health”

Labour’s health spokesperson made clear
she was voting with the Tories to hole the policy “below the waterline”
– despite claiming she would listen to Labour’s alcohol commission if
it recommended minimum pricing.

Of Labour members only Labour MSP and
former Health Minister Malcolm Chisholm voted based on the evidence
presented to Parliament and in support of the Health committee’s report.

SNP MSP Michael Matheson said:

“This is a disgraceful vote by Labour. 
Siding with the Tories against Scotland’s national interest is a real
betrayal of Scotland’s public health.

“It is a damning indictment of the
state of the Labour party that they have put a political alliance with
the Tories ahead of the health of the Scottish people.

“There is widespread agreement from
public health professionals, the drinks industry, the police and justice
community, children’s charities, two former Labour health ministers and
even a supermarket that minimum pricing is a necessary part of tackling
our problems with alcohol.

“Unfortunately for Labour and the
Tories they failed to win the support of a majority of MSPs for their
politically motivated attack on these essential health plans and will be
roundly condemned by those outside Parliament who expect politicians to
put party aside for public health.

“The Tory proposals in England do not
have the desired effect on problem drinking and Labour has so far put
forward no alternative proposals despite accepting that price is a major
factor in alcohol consumption.

“After today it seems Labour’s
irresponsible attitude extends beyond ruining the economy to colluding
with the Tories in refusing to support sensible measures to improve
Scotland’s public health.”