There has been a “catastrophic increase” in alcohol-related deaths in England over the past four years alone, prompting public-health experts to call for urgent action.

More than 8,200 people are expected to die due to alcohol in 2023 – a 42% increase on 2019 – with the rate highest in the North East.

The Alcohol Health Alliance UK says alcohol consumption could be reduced if a minimum price for each unit was introduced, as in Scotland.

The government says it is unacceptable that alcohol-related deaths are at record high levels and it will prioritize public health in its 10-year plan for the NHS in England.

During the pandemic, alcohol-related deaths rose sharply across the UK.

Since then, Deaths are continuously increasing In England – although at a more slow pace than in previous years.

The Alcohol Health Alliance, which represents 60 organizations working to reduce harm, says it is “a dangerous trend” that is spreading across society “increasing pressure on our economy and health services.” Used to be”.

It says heavy drinking shortens lives, tears apart families and leaves children struggling with grief and trauma.

The coalition predicts that alcohol-related deaths will increase further “and place an even greater burden on our healthcare system and society”.

Its chairman, Professor Sir Ian Gilmore, said: “Without bold, decisive action, these preventable deaths will continue to rise. Addressing the harm caused by alcohol must be a top public-health priority in 2025, and there is no need to change this.” An inter-governmental effort is needed.” “Deal with this public-health crisis.”

In Scotland, where alcohol-specific mortality rates have always been high, 1,277 deaths due to alcohol in 2023 – Same as last year.

The Alliance says the minimum unit price of alcohol in Scotland has “proven to be effective in reducing alcohol-related harm”.

This policy was introduced in Scotland in 2018. In recent months the minimum price of a unit of liquor there has increased from 50p to 65pThis means that no alcoholic beverage can be sold at a price below this price.

Critics of minimum pricing say that serious drinkers will continue to buy alcohol and cut back on other things. He says this is unfair to those who drink responsibly, especially those with low incomes.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care said there has been a reluctance to lead on issues such as the harm caused by alcohol, smoking and obesity “for too long”.

“It is unacceptable that alcohol-related deaths are now at record highs.

“Our 10-year health plan will shift the focus of the NHS from disease to prevention. This means prioritizing public-health measures to help people live longer, healthier lives.”