There Is Evidence in Sources a and C Which Suggest That It Is Accurate to State That MUP

There is evidence in sources A and C which suggest that it is accurate to state that MUP is needed to tackle alcohol-related problems in Scotland. In Source A, the SNP deputy leader Nicola Sturgeon is quoted as saying that alcohol abuse has been causing too many premature deaths amongst Scots and that MUP would lead to 1200 fewer hospital admissions. This clearly shows that MUP would be effective as it would tackle the amount of alcohol-related illness. This is supported in Source B where it tells us that in 2011/12, the death rate for alcohol-related illnesses was at around 650 deaths per 100,000 which it too high.

Furthermore, in Source A it tells us that alcohol-related illness affects the poorest people the worst and therefore raising the minimum price would be an effective measure. This is supported in Source C where we can see that in areas such as Glasgow and Greenock (which according to Source A are poorer) death rates for alcohol-related illnesses are much higher. For example, in Glasgow Shettleston there are 76 deaths per 100,000 compared to just 11 per 100,000 in rich areas like East Renfrewshire. Therefore it is clear that it is accurate to state that the MUP would be effective as it would make alcohol less affordable for poorer Scots.

However, there is also evidence that the statement is not accurate. Source A tells us that the MUP policy has not been enforced yet and in Source B we can see that alcohol-related hospital admissions and discharges are decreasing anyway. The table shows that the rate of admissions and discharges has fallen from 700 per 100,000 people to 650 per 100,000 people and this suggests that MUP is not necessary as the situation is improving regardless. This is supported again in Source A where it tells us that doctors accept that there has been a reduction in alcohol-related deaths.

Furthermore, Source A points out that MUP is unfair and discriminates against responsible drinkers especially those on lower incomes. This links to an earlier point in source A which explains that the policy will make a unit of alcohol cost at least 50p which will obviously affect poorer people more.

Overall

Overall, it is accurate to an extent to say that MUP is needed to reduce alcohol-related problems in Scotland. Sources A and C make it clear that it is the poorest Scots that are becoming ill and dying because of alcohol abuse and therefore a policy which aims to make alcohol more expensive may well be effective. However, Sources A and B also make the point that alcohol-related deaths and illnesses are decreasing anyway which means that perhaps MUP is not necessary. Furthermore they point out that the policy would unfairly target responsible drinkers.

Origin/Reliability

In general the sources are reliable although the usefulness of Source A could be questioned. It is adapted from a number of unnamed sources and so it is unclear where the information has come from. However it does appear that in information is accurate and not exaggerated as it is consistent with my knowledge and it does refer to both the benefits and drawbacks of MUP.

Sources B and C contain up-to-date statistical information. Source C comes from the ONS which is a respected and impartial organisation and so the figures are likely to be accurate.