Northern Ireland’s Health Minister Mike Nesbitt told the Assembly this morning that he is disappointed to announce that minimum unit pricing (MUP) will not be brought forward in this mandate. He told members that:
It has not been possible to secure Executive agreement and we’ve now reached the point sadly where legislation for MUP is no longer deliverable in this mandate. This will have an impact on many vulnerable and at risk people in Northern Ireland.
Other Members criticised the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) for blocking the measure in the Executive. Members of the DUP spoke and questioned the evidence around MUP.
IAS’s Chief Executive Dr Katherine Severi said:
Another delay. Another year of preventable deaths. Northern Ireland is in the grip of a record alcohol death toll and was the only UK nation that saw an increase in alcohol deaths in 2024. The DUP’s continued resistance to MUP – despite the weight of evidence, despite the calls from health professionals, and despite historically supporting the principle – is costing lives. Politics should never be allowed to override good public health policy, and that is exactly what is happening here.
Scotland, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland have all acted. England has not. Northern Ireland has not. The communities bearing the heaviest burden of alcohol harm deserve better than to be a political bargaining chip. Minister Nesbitt has shown leadership – it is deeply frustrating that his own Executive colleagues are undermining it and preventing him from saving lives.
Professor Sir Ian Gilmore, Chair of the Alcohol Health Alliance, said:
Today’s decision not to move forward with Minimum Unit Pricing in Northern Ireland is a deeply disappointing failure to act on a public health crisis.
The evidence is clear: Minimum Unit Pricing is one of the most effective and targeted measures available to reduce alcohol-related deaths, hospital admissions and health inequalities, with the greatest benefits felt among men and those living in the most disadvantaged communities.
Northern Ireland is facing its highest levels of alcohol harm on record, placing unacceptable burden on individuals, families, and public services. Choosing not to implement this policy means those harms will persist, with grave consequences, and hitting the most vulnerable groups in society the hardest.
We urge policymakers to reconsider this decision and to prioritise evidence-based measures that protect public health over political wins. Lives are being lost that could be saved with this proven, preventative policy.
The Alcohol Health Alliance remains committed to working with governments across the UK to reduce alcohol harm and improve health outcomes for all.