Mike Nesbitt described it as a 'missed opportunity', saying that an agreement could not be secured.
Nesbitt said minimum unit pricing would have allowed this assembly to make a meaningful difference in reducing the alcohol-related harm Legislation to introduce minimum unit pricing for alcohol in Northern Ireland is "no longer deliverable" before the next assembly election, Stormont's health minister has said.
Mike Nesbitt described it as a "missed opportunity", saying that agreement from all four parties in Northern Ireland's power-sharing government could not be secured. The Democratic Unionist Party was accused by other parties of "blocking" the proposals as the issue was discussed in the assembly on Tuesday. DUP health spokesperson Diane Dodds said preventing alcohol harm needed "not just one measure", but Nesbitt described her remarks as "pure deflection".With an assembly election scheduled for May next year, there is a limited timeframe for ministers to ensure legislation is passed. Nesbitt told the Northern Ireland Assembly that primary legislation had been provisionally scheduled for introduction in 2026-27. "Unfortunately, however, despite my efforts to provide information and address any concerns, it has not been possible to secure executive agreement," he said. "And we've now reached the point sadly where legislation for MUP is no longer deliverable in this mandate."The Ulster Unionist Party minister said this would "have an impact on many vulnerable and at-risk people here in Northern Ireland". He referenced British Heart Foundation research, which he said "estimated 676 people each year die as a direct result of their alcohol consumption". The pricing structure is already in place in Scotland and Wales, where alcohol cannot be sold for less than 65p per unit. If Northern Ireland introduced similar restrictions, it would see a 2.5 litre bottle of cider more than double in price from £5.99 to at least £12.20.Nesbitt said minimum unit pricing was "not a silver bullet" but it would help reduce alcohol-related harm."From my perspective I feel that not introducing minimum unit pricing is a missed opportunity - an opportunity which would have allowed this assembly to make a meaningful difference in reducing the alcohol-related harms and inequalities across our region." Nesbitt signalled opposition from the DUP to the proposed legislation, as he said it was "on the public record" that other executive parties were supportive.Several assembly members from other parties accused the DUP of "blocking" the plans. DUP assembly member Diane Dodds, who sits on the assembly's health committee, said that "preventing alcohol harm is part of a whole suite of measures and not just one measure". She said there was "still a lack of targeted detox and rehab services for young people and their children".Social Democratic and Labour Party assembly member Matthew O'Toole, leader of the opposition in the assembly, accused the DUP of a "brazen and shameless blocking of this".People Before Profit assembly member Gerry Carroll said he was "well aware of the dangers" of alcoholism but he remained "unconvinced that this is the best way to deal with it".What are the symptoms of meningitis and how is it spread?YouTube removes channels of man who murdered Natalie McNallyEvidence in the trial of Stephen McCullagh outlined a cold, calculating plan to kill Natalie McNally and get away with it.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
CONSUMER ALERT: Check your medicine cabinet after alcohol prep pad recallPosition: Reporter
Read more »
Mike Johnston Says He’s Listening, but Will He Meet With Constituents?Mike Johnston says he's listening, but he has not held meetings to discuss concerns about Axon Enterprise replacing Flock Safety.
Read more »
Syrians protest alcohol restrictions in DamascusCrowds of Syrians have rallied to protest authorities’ efforts to limit the sale and consumption of alcohol in Damascus. Sunday's demonstration reflected rising anxiety in the cosmopolitan capital that Syria’s new Islamist government may threaten residents’ long-held secular freedoms.
Read more »
Syrian authorities' new limits on alcohol sales in Damascus spark backlashCrowds of Syrians have rallied to protest authorities’ efforts to limit the sale and consumption of alcohol in Damascus.
Read more »
Mike Tauchman injury: Mets' RF competition ends with Carson Benge likely to make rosterNew York Mets outfielder Mike Tauchman suffered a torn meniscus and will need to undergo surgery, manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed on Sunday, subsequently
Read more »
Alcohol to be sold on Staten Island Ferry for first time in 5 yearsAlcohol will be sold on the Staten Island Ferry for the first time in 5 years, NYC DOT announced on Monday.
Read more »