I have so little good to say about the UK’s Labour Party these days that I might as well get in a compliment where I can. Prime Minister Gordon Brown has, against all reasonable expectations, struck a blow for common sense and decency:
Gordon Brown today rejected controversial proposals from the chief medical officer to establish a minimum price for alcohol, which would double the price of many beers and spirits.
The prime minister said that he would protect the interests of the “sensible majority of moderate drinkers” when responding to proposals from Sir Liam Donaldson for a minimum charge of 50p per unit of alcohol to be imposed on beer and wine.
And Scotland, well, how do you like that devolution now?
The Scottish government is planning to introduce minimum prices for alcohol and these could come into force by the end of the year. It would make Scotland the first country in Europe to introduce minimum pricing, which would be accompanied by a ban on certain drinks promotions.
Cheers.