Those Dudes - the UK Chief Medical Officers. I just go this communique from the good folks at CAMRA - scary stuff. Here is the letter in full.
Click here to find out more about CAMRA - like I said, good folks. To bad we don't have access to MPs over on this side of the pond.
Urge your MP to attend a debate on the new alcohol guidelines
As you may be aware, in January this year the UK’s Chief Medical Officers issued new guidelines on alcohol consumption. These guidelines are amongst the most restrictive in the world. The new guidelines state that:
- Men and women should not drink regularly more than 14 units a week and that if you do drink as much as 14 units a week it should be spread evenly over three or more days.
- There is no safe level of alcohol consumption.
- There is a clear link between consuming alcohol and getting cancer.
CAMRA is concerned that these guidelines were formulated by an Advisory Group which included members with links to a group associated with the temperance movement.
Further, a survey of GPs has shown that the majority of respondents disagree with the Chief Medical Officers’ statement that there is no safe level of alcohol; and believe that moderate alcohol consumption can be part of a healthy lifestyle.
We need you to help us raise this issue with your MP ahead of a debate that will be taking place in the Westminster Parliament on Tuesday 28th June from 4:30-5:30pm. Please write to your MP today to ask them to attend and raise the following points in the debate:
- The guidelines run contrary to decades of international research which provide overwhelming evidence that moderate alcohol consumption can be part of a healthy lifestyle.
- The guidelines are now some of the strictest in the world and go against the international trend by equalising the suggested intake for both men and women. Furthermore, no account is given to age, build or lifestyle choices.
- The guidelines fail to balance risk with other health benefits, such as personal wellbeing. New research from Oxford University shows that people who go to a ‘local’ pub are happier, have more friends and are better connected to the community.
Lobby your MP today to ask them to speak out on this important issue during Tuesday’s debate.