OECD FIGURES SHOW "SHAMEFUL" LEVEL OF YOUTH DRINKING

Shameful figures show the UK has the highest rates and level of drunkenness among 13-15 years olds of any country in the OECD.

A report, issued today by the OECD states; “Drunkenness is the highest in the OECD, with one in three 13 and 15 year olds having been drunk at least twice.”

The report also exposes high teenage pregnancy rates in the UK.

SNP MSP Kenneth Gibson branded the details exposed in the report as shameful and called for support for Scottish Government proposals to introduce a minimum price for alcohol and to ensure licensing boards consider raising the age limit for off-sales of alcohol.

Mr Gibson said;

“The level of youth drinking across the UK is shameful.

“While this report covers the UK as a whole we know the level of youth drinking in Scotland is unacceptable and it can not be allowed to continue.

“There is a real and urgent need to tackle Scotland’s relationship with alcohol.

“The Scottish Government is setting out a radical approach to alcohol that will help to bring youth drinking under control.

“Ending pocket money prices for alcohol, where litres of cider can be bought for £3.00 is vital in addressing our problem with youth drinking.

“Similarly it is vital that local authorities are able to consider raising the age limit for offsales to 21 as one of a package of measures to stop underage sales and to tackle proxy purchasing - where older teenagers by alcohol for younger ones - if they think it is necessary.

“Ending teenage drinking and drunkenness requires bold steps. The Scottish Government is prepared to take action – it is for other parties to explain whether they will support them.”

ALCOHOL ACTION CAN IMPROVE DRINKERS KNOWLEDGE

PRICING EFFORTS WILL END UNKNOWN ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION

The introduction of minimum pricing will help to end the problem of drinkers not knowing how much alcohol they are consuming.

A new study from market research firm Mintel shows that UK drinkers do not know how much alcohol they are consuming. This has become an increasing problem as drinks become stronger.

The research shows that despite drinking similar quantities of alcoholic beverages to previous years, the amount of alcohol being consumed has increased significantly as the alcohol content of wines and beers in particular has increased.

SNP MSP Kenneth Gibson, who supports action to tackle Scotland’s alcohol problem said:

“It is clear that many people no longer know how much alcohol they are consuming as drinks get stronger and stronger.

“Many people will be going over the recommended level for alcohol consumption without knowing it – not only having consequences for their health but potentially for their safety.

“The Scottish Government’s proposal for minimum pricing will make it far easier for consumers to know the alcohol content of their drink.

“The more expensive the beer or cider the more alcohol it contains. With products such as wine or beer and ciders where the content may vary significantly this will help consumers make an educated choice. It will also bring an end to the days where litres of strong cider can be purchased for only a couple of pounds.

“At the same time I urge the UK Government to adopt the recommendations from the BMA and others to ensure the number of units of alcohol in a bottle or drink are clearly labelled on all alcoholic products.

“When alcohol content is not reflected in the price of products and the number of units are not explained on the label it is hard for consumers to make the responsible drinking choices we all want them to make.

LABOUR’S EDUCATION CUTS EXPOSED

TALE OF TWO GOVERNMENTS CONTINUES

Commenting on Treasury documents reported in the Telegraph today (Thursday) which reveal that Labour will cut the education budget by £100 million SNP MSP Kenneth Gibson – the vice-convener of the Scottish Parliament’s education committee – said it exposed labour’s cuts agenda as well as highlighting the different approach taken in Scotland which has shown that the amount of money spent by local authorities on education has increased dramatically under the SNP.

Figures released earlier this month in Scotland showed that local authority education budgets have increased by an average of 8.3% or £366 million between 2008 and 2010 under the SNP Government; and the figures for the 2008-09 and 2009-10 financial years also show that the average increase is higher in SNP led councils.

This contrasts with Labour’s largest council in Glasgow which – like their counterparts south of the border - is cutting spending on education (in this case by £7 million).

Commenting Mr Gibson said;

“Today’s report just exposes Labour’s cant about education spending in Scotland. It is their party which cuts spending on educating our children and it is under an SNP government and councils that investment in our children’s education is increasing.

“It is a clear case of a tale of two governments with official statistics showing the SNP’s real commitment to education in Scotland compared to a Labour government’s cuts agenda.

“It is now undeniable that education spending in Scotland has increased under the SNP Government as we invest in Scotland's future generations; and it is also clear that SNP Council’s are leading the way with average increases of over 10%.

“After two years of misinformation and scaremongering from opposition parties we now have clear evidence that education budgets in Scotland are on the up under the SNP with above inflation increases.

“And we also have clear evidence that it is Labour which is cutting education funding in Glasgow with their school closures programme. Something that will not be lost on the voters of Glasgow North East.”

LABOUR PLAN TO TAX FAMILIES REVEALED

"BACK TO THE FUTURE" WITH UNFAIR COUNCIL TAX RISE

SNP MSP Kenneth Gibson today criticised Labour plans to increase the burden of the Council Tax again after two years of a freeze under the SNP Government. Mr Gibson said such a policy meant inflicting tax rises on hard working families across Scotland in the teeth of recession.

Mr Gibson’s comments follow a call by Labour’s finance adviser for the Council Tax Freeze to be abolished.

The SNP MSP for Cunnninghame North Kenneth Gibson said;

“Labour’s true colours have been revealed.

“Iain Gray wants to take Scotland back to the future. Under Labour we saw council tax rises of 60% over 10 years.

“Under the SNP families across Scotland have felt the benefit of a council tax freeze, putting more money into people’s pockets as they fight the recession.

“Whilst the SNP will fight the next election with a plan to scrap the council tax, Labour’s secret plan to raise council tax and hit pensioners and hard working families with this unfair tax has been exposed.”