MEP: Leave drinkers alone

Euro-MP Paul Nuttall

Suggestions that GPs should question their patients about their drinking habits as a matter of routine have been criticised by MEP Paul Nuttall.

"This is an unnecessary intrusion into people's lives, of which there is already too much going on. It is very hard these days not to be aware from media reports and adverts what is considered a safe drinking limit.

"People know and make their own life choices, for right and wrong. There is so much pontificating from on high about human rights but what about the rights of folk to chose how much to drink?” said Mr Nuttall, UKIP Euro-MP.

"Yes, of course, it makes sense to drink sensibly and if people's drinking gets them into trouble with the law then that is plainly foolish and will be punished. But the vast majority do drink within limits and that is their own business.

"I know there is concern about workers coming home after a hard day, particularly professional women, and opening a bottle of wine but I dispute that they are not already very conscious of potential health risks.

"And for many older people a couple of tipples at night is one of their few remaining pleasures. Why should [they] be put off from going to their GP for fear of a lecture? These people don't want advice and help about drinking."

Mr Nuttall's remarks followed a recommendation from the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Alcohol Misuse.