CAMPAIGNERS have called for a minimum unit price for alcohol in England after research showed that the measure has cut consumption in some of the heaviest-drinking households in Scotland and Wales.

A 50p minimum unit price was introduced in Scotland in 2018 and in Wales around the start of the lockdown last year, and subsequent studies have shown that the policy has had a lasting impact.

Research by Newcastle University published in the Lancet Public Health journal shows that the greatest reductions in ciders and spirits purchased have been seen among households that bought the most alcohol.

Professor Sir Ian Gilmore, chairman of the Alcohol Health Alliance, said: “Westminster has said time and time again that it is waiting for evidence from Scotland and Wales on minimum unit pricing — meanwhile, 80 people a day are dying from an alcohol-related cause.

“The evidence is here — it’s time for the government to introduce minimum unit pricing in England in order to save lives, cut crime and reduce pressure on our NHS and emergency services.”

Joanne Good, whose daughter Megan died in her sleep aged 16 after drinking strong white cider at a party, said: “Alcohol is too cheap and far too often ends up in the hands of children.”