The Early Day Motion (EDM) 26, tabled on 17 July 2024, highlights the rising concern over avoidable deaths due to alcohol and drug-related causes in England and Wales. This motion, supported by 16 Members of Parliament, calls for urgent public health action to address this growing issue.

Rising Avoidable Mortality Rates

Data from the Office for National Statistics released on 18 June 2024 reveals a concerning trend in avoidable mortality rates:

• England: The Avoidable Age-Standardised Mortality Rate (ASMR) for alcohol and drug-related deaths increased from 21.3 per 100,000 people in 2019 to 25.9 per 100,000 in 2022.
• Wales: The ASMR for such deaths rose from 24.2 per 100,000 people in 2019 to 30.2 per 100,000 in 2022.

Impact of Synthetic Opioids

The influx of super strength synthetic opioids, such as nitazenes, poses a significant risk:

• Nitazenes: These potent synthetic opioids are contributing to a rapid rise in drug-related deaths.

Call for Public Health Action

The EDM calls on the Government to prioritise public health measures, including:

• Increasing Drug and Alcohol Treatment Provision: Enhancing the availability and quality of treatment services for individuals struggling with substance abuse.
• Expanding Naloxone Availability: Making the lifesaving antidote to opioid overdose more widely accessible to prevent fatal overdoses.

Supporting Members

The motion has garnered support from various Members of Parliament across different parties. Notable signatories include:

• Primary Sponsor: Grahame Morris (Labour, Easington)
• Co-Sponsors:
  • Liz Saville Roberts (Plaid Cymru, Dwyfor Meirionnydd)
  • Rachael Maskell (Labour, York Central)
  • Mary Glindon (Labour, Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend)
  • Mary Kelly Foy (Labour, City of Durham)
  • Kim Johnson (Labour, Liverpool Riverside)

Additional supporters include:

• Jeremy Corbyn (Independent, Islington North)
• Ben Lake (Plaid Cymru, Ceredigion Preseli)
• Jon Trickett (Labour, Normanton and Hemsworth)
• Llinos Medi (Plaid Cymru, Ynys Môn)
• Ann Davies (Plaid Cymru, Caerfyrddin)
• Andy McDonald (Labour, Middlesbrough and Thornaby East)
• John McDonnell (Labour, Hayes and Harlington)
• Carla Denyer (Green Party, Bristol Central)
• Ellie Chowns (Green Party, North Herefordshire)
• Ian Lavery (Labour)

The EDM underscores the urgency of addressing the rising avoidable mortality rates due to alcohol and drug-related causes in England and Wales. By focusing on expanding treatment provision and making naloxone widely available, the Government can make significant strides in mitigating this public health crisis.

Source: Parliament.uk