April 2025

Men’s Health Strategy call for evidence

The UK government has launched a call for evidence for its Men’s Health Strategy and wants to hear from the public, health and social care professionals, academics, employers and stakeholder organisations.

The call for evidence states that men face unique challenges and are disproportionately affected by several health conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. It goes on to state that:

Evidence suggests that men are also more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviours such as, but not limited to, smoking, harmful gambling, alcohol consumption and substance misuse. Some of these behaviours are risk factors for diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and dementia.

The call for evidence closes at 11:59pm on 17 July 2025.

Severe threat to Ireland’s alcohol health warning labelling regulations

Over 75 health, social and community organisations, academics and advocates have signed an open letter to Ireland’s Taoiseach (Prime Minister) calling for the government to ensure that new laws on health warnings on alcohol labels are brought in next year.

The letter comes after Ireland’s Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe said the issue of health warning labels “will be examined” following the introduction of US tariffs on European alcohol. At the time, Alcohol Action Ireland (AAI) said in a statement that this “makes no sense given labelling applies only to alcohol products sold in Ireland and has absolutely no impact on exports”.

The open letter stated that there is strong support for better labelling and that Ireland should take pride in its leadership in this regard:

It is essential that the public is provided with facts about alcohol as opposed to the spin from an immensely profitable, global industry which leaves individuals, families and the State to pick up the tab for the damage its products cause.

AAI, which is leading the campaign against any delay to the regulations, said in a statement that:

Any move to backtrack on labelling would play right into the hands of the alcohol industry who for years have worked doggedly to keep the public in the dark over the harm its product causes.

“There should be no question that industry’s latest disinformation tactic – linking global trading concerns brought on by recent US trade tariffs to the Irish health issue of labelling – should be countenanced by government, given that labelling applies only to alcohol products sold in Ireland and has absolutely no impact on exports or imports…the legal onus is on retailers of alcohol, not manufacturers, to ensure products are labelled.

Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party blocking Minimum Unit Pricing

Across the border in Northern Ireland, The Irish Times has revealed that the Democratic Unionist Party is blocking the introduction of minimum unit pricing (MUP) in the country.

In October, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt told parliament’s Health Committee that he was seeking the backing of executive colleagues to bring the legislation to the assembly.

However, according to “senior sources in the Stormont executive”, the DUP is blocking the policy due to “concerns about the limited evidence of the positive impact of this policy in tackling problem drinking”.

Of the 12 Executive Members, four are in the DUP: Emma Little-Pengelly (Deputy First Minister), Pam Cameron (Junior Minister), Paul Givan (Education Minister), and Gordon Lyons (Communities Minister).

Former DUP health minister Jim Wells has previously said that he encountered resistance in his party when trying to tackle alcohol-related deaths and that opposition to MUP was a result of lobbying from the drinks industry, along with the policy’s potential impact on “loyalist, working class communities”.

A spokesperson for Mr Nesbitt’s department said proposals for MUP “will only progress with executive approval and subsequent assembly debate and scrutiny”. The spokesperson said:

The minister has distributed a number of papers to executive colleagues detailing the evidence base of the effectiveness of minimum unit pricing and remains hopeful of securing the required support to move to the legislative stage.

MUP in England

In England earlier in the month, Labour MP Cat Smith authored an article in The House magazine calling for the Westminster government to introduce MUP in England, highlighting that it would be:

the most efficient way to reduce alcohol harm in England in the shortest time.

Ms Smith highlighted that alcohol is now 91% more affordable than in 1987, partly due to government tax breaks. She argued that MUP would target the cheapest, most harmful drinks – supporting pubs while discouraging excessive home drinking. She acknowledged concerns for dependent drinkers but stressed the need for better-funded and joined-up treatment services.

But crucially, no single policy will be enough to substantially bring down alcohol deaths. A national alcohol strategy should be implemented by this government.

Licensing Taskforce fails to include health representatives

In early April, the UK government launched a Licensing Policy Taskforce “to make recommendations that will deliver effective change in the licensing framework that fosters vibrant hospitality, night-time economy, and creative and cultural industries”. The taskforce will be co-chaired by Gareth Thomas MP (Department for Business and Trade) and Nick McKenzie, Chief Executive of pub and brewing company Greene King.

The taskforce members also include the Chief Executives of UKHospitality and the Night Time Industries Association, as well as the Deputy Chief Constable at West Midlands Police and the Assistant Director of Policy at the Local Government Association.

The government stated that the taskforce will “evaluate options to create a licensing system that better supports business growth while ensuring public safety and community interests remain adequately protected under the Safer Streets Mission”.

There is no mention of public health in the announcement and no member of the taskforce has a health-focused portfolio. DHSC is also not involved. The final report will be shared with ministers from the Home Office, MHCLG, HMT, and DBT for review ahead of the ministerial meeting on next steps.

In an Institute of Licensing article, Chancellor Rachel Reeves said:

We’ve heard industry concerns and we’re partnering with businesses to understand what changes need to be made, because a thriving nighttime economy is good for local economies, good for growth, and good for getting more money in people’s pockets.

In the same article, the Chief Executive of the BBPA said:

A review of the 2003 Licensing Act is long overdue. We are currently working with MPs to pass an amendment to permitted licensing hours at times of major national events when Parliament is not sitting. But this is just one example where the current law restricts the ability of pubs to respond to consumer demand and sell beer and other drinks in a responsible manner.

Although plans are yet to be finalised, they are likely to include a pilot that could see more alfresco dining and later opening hours in London, as the Mayor of London is granted new “call in” powers to review blocked licensing applications in nightlife hotspots.

World Cancer Research Fund recommends avoiding drinking to reduce breast cancer risk

A new major review conducted by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) gives a specific recommendation to avoid drinking alcohol for people who want to reduce their breast cancer risk.

Led by a team at Harvard University, the review explains that after analysing the evidence on alcohol and cancer risk, “the weight of the evidence related to alcohol and breast cancer generated stronger wording around avoiding alcohol for breast cancer prevention”.

In The Times, study author Dr Dora Romaguera said:

This report provides clear evidence that by looking at our whole diet and the way we live, there are clear steps to recommend to women to lower their breast cancer risk. Importantly, this work highlights that the greatest benefit is found when adhering to most aspects of a cancer preventative pattern simultaneously.

‘Act Now: Demand a National Alcohol Strategy to Prevent Cancer’

WCRF has also launched a petition calling for a national alcohol strategy to help prevent alcohol-related cancers. Do please sign the petition and share with your networks.

UK public backs bold health policies

In early April, an Ipsos survey for The Health Foundation found strong public backing for bold health measures to tackle harms from tobacco, junk food, and alcohol. Findings included:

Although minimum unit pricing received the lowest support of the policies at 46% support, only 31% opposed the policy, meaning 60% of those with an opinion supported it.

In The BMJ, The Health Foundation’s Dr Adam Briggs wrote that:

A lack of national focus and communications on alcohol related harms could partly explain the relatively lower support.

Later in the month, the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) published a report in partnership with Public First on people’s views of government intervention. The report found that the majority of people do not view policies to improve public health as being part of a ‘nanny state.’

The think tank stated that concerns about how initiatives may impact personal freedoms are “likely overstated”, with people caring more about measures being ineffective or increasing costs. Sebastian Rees, principal research fellow and head of health at IPPR, said:

These findings dismantle the long-held assumption that bold health policy is politically risky. In reality, voters across the political spectrum see improving public health as a top priority and want the government to do more to allow them to live healthier lives.”

“The vast majority of people don’t see getting tough on the causes of illness as ‘nanny-statism’, but as a downpayment on the nation’s future health and wealth. Taking on powerful interests who undermine health – rogue landlords, toxic employers and junk food advertisers – is seen as both fair and necessary to this cause.

Responding to the findings, a DHSC spokesperson said:

This research confirms the British public wants bold action to tackle the root causes of ill health. For too long there has been an unwillingness to lead on issues like smoking, obesity and alcohol harm, but we are turning the tide. With strong public support for measures like restricting junk food advertising and creating the first smoke-free generation, we are shifting the focus from sickness to prevention through our ambitious 10 Year Health Plan.

In related news, at the end of April Bedford Borough Council announced that it will be introducing a policy that bans advertising and sponsorship of products linked to poor health, such as junk food, alcohol, gambling, and vaping, across all council-owned space.

Councillor Martin Towler said:

The advertising market of unhealthy products can make people’s health worse. The negative effects of advertising unhealthy products are particularly strong for children and young people, and for the residents who live in more disadvantaged areas.

By approving the health advertising and sponsorship policy, the council is showing local leadership on this important issue.

Alcohol deaths surged during the pandemic, particularly among men and low-income groups

A new study in The Lancet Public Health found that almost 4,000 additional deaths from alcohol have occurred since the pandemic, with the main cause of death being alcohol-related liver disease.

The study also found that the largest absolute increases in deaths occurred in groups experiencing the most harm pre-pandemic, including men and those from the most deprived areas.

Lead author Dr Melissa Oldham (UCL) said:

The sharp increase in alcohol deaths during the pandemic was no flash in the pan. The higher rate has persisted and is getting worse each year.

It is an acute crisis, and urgent action is needed to prevent further avoidable deaths.

Commenting on the study, Dr Katherine Severi said:

It’s shocking to see that almost 4,000 more people died in England from alcohol than was expected since the pandemic, with the number continuing to rise.

The government has made tackling inequalities one of its health priorities. There is no way of doing that without introducing a comprehensive alcohol strategy that tackles cheap, excessively available, and aggressively marketed alcohol.

Less than a fortnight later, The British Liver Trust published analysis that showed deaths from liver disease have risen more than 400% in the past 50 years, while deaths from other major diseases have fallen.

In 1970, liver disease mortality rates stood at 2.83 per 100,000 people. This has risen to 11.66 per 100,000 in 2020.

Vanessa Hebditch, director of policy at BLT, said:

90% of liver disease is preventable and if found early the disease progression can be halted or reversed. Without urgent intervention, more people will die from a health crisis that can be averted.

A DHSC spokesperson said:

We recognise the need for urgent action to reverse the unacceptable levels of alcohol specific deaths – including those caused by liver disease. We are committed to prioritising early intervention and health measures to support people to live longer, healthier lives across the UK.

Should we stop using the term ‘harmful’ alcohol use?

In a recent textual analysis study, Øystein Bakke and Professor Sally Casswell found that the expression ‘harmful use of alcohol’ was a political compromise in the early 2000s between approaches that focused either on ‘alcohol abuse’ or a wider concept of harm consumption.

The term has since permeated national and international alcohol policy documents and academic literature, and has been embraced by the alcohol industry to suggest that only some drinking is problematic, helping to normalise alcohol use overall.

Yet the growing understanding that alcohol harm exists on a spectrum — with risks such as cancer manifesting even at low levels of consumption — has led to increasing critique of the framing implied by ‘harmful use of alcohol’.

Alcohol Toolkit Study: update

The monthly data collected is from English households and began in March 2014. Each month involves a new representative sample of approximately 1,700 adults aged 16 and over.

See more data on the project website here.

Prevalence of increasing and higher risk drinking (AUDIT-C)

Increasing and higher risk drinking defined as those scoring >4 AUDIT-C. A-C1: Professional to clerical occupation C2-E: Manual occupation

Currently trying to restrict consumption

A-C1: Professional to clerical occupation C2-E: Manual occupation; Question: Are you currently trying to restrict your alcohol consumption e.g. by drinking less, choosing lower strength alcohol or using smaller glasses? Are you currently trying to restrict your alcohol consumption e.g. by drinking less, choosing lower strength alcohol or using smaller glasses?

Serious past-year attempts to cut down or stop

Question 1: How many attempts to restrict your alcohol consumption have you made in the last 12 months (e.g. by drinking less, choosing lower strength alcohol or using smaller glasses)? Please include all attempts you have made in the last 12 months, whether or not they were successful, AND any attempt that you are currently making. Q2: During your most recent attempt to restrict your alcohol consumption, was it a serious attempt to cut down on your drinking permanently? A-C1: Professional to clerical occupation C2-E: Manual occupation