The letter to the health secretary came as figures published by the Alcohol Health Alliance (AHA) show a ‘catastrophic' 42% rise in alcohol-related deaths in England in the last four years.

The AHA said the 8,274 people who lost their lives to alcohol in 2023 were only the ‘tip of the iceberg' with the true death toll where alcohol was a contributing likely to be three times higher.

Professor Sir Ian Gilmore, Chair of the AHA, said: ‘These new statistics are a stark reminder of the devastating impact alcohol takes on our society, not just in lives lost but in the shattered families and communities left behind. Each of the 8,274 deaths in 2023 represents a life cut tragically short—a loved one whose absence leaves a void that can never be filled.'

Alcohol accounts for 6% of all hospitalisations with almost 950,000 admissions each year costing the NHS £4.91bn.

Along with its links to seven types of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes—alcohol also significantly impacts mental health, with 70% of those in alcohol treatment also reporting mental health needs.

The letter highlighted the inequalities in alcohol harm across England, with the North East suffering a mortality rate over twice that of London and hospitalisations and deaths disproportionately concentrated in the most deprived communities.

The AHA called on the Government to implement a comprehensive response, leveraging the Health Mission board to drive cross-Government action and highlighted the success of minimum unit pricing in reducing alcohol-related harm in Scotland.

The AHA also endorsed the Medical Council on Alcohol's recommendations to increase funding and access to alcohol treatment services and for the NHS 10-Year Plan to prioritise strengthening the health service's response to alcohol harm, alongside the adoption of policies that tackle the affordability, availability and marketing of alcohol, as outlined in its manifesto.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: ‘For too long there has been an unwillingness to lead on issues like smoking, alcohol harm and obesity. It is unacceptable that alcohol deaths are now at record high levels.

‘Our 10-Year Health Plan will shift the focus of the NHS from sickness to prevention. This means prioritising public health measures to support people to live longer, healthier lives.'