MP calls for better alcohol labelling
In an article for The House, Sadik Al-Hassan MP explains why the government’s pledge to introduce mandatory alcohol labels is so important.
‘Like many people, I drink. This isn’t about abstinence. It is about transparency, public safety, and an informed choice.’
Warning labels are a simple, cost-effective way to raise awareness, reaching people both at the point of purchase and consumption. Al-Hassan warns that the success of alcohol labelling will depend on the government’s resolve to stand firm against industry pressure, which has delayed Ireland’s world-leading labelling legislation until 2028.
‘Consumers deserve honesty. Just as medicines carry clear, factual information, so too should alcohol. The government’s decision to act should be applauded – but we must ensure that the new labels remain free from industry influence and are implemented at pace.’
The role of cooking, eating and connection in reducing alcohol harm and promoting recovery
Alcohol issues are rarely just about alcohol. Harmful alcohol use often goes hand-in-hand with social disconnection and disordered eating. People who are alcohol-dependent are often underfed, underweight and undernourished, and this can increase the harm that alcohol causes in their lives.
Supporting people with severe alcohol problems to eat well is one clear route to reducing alcohol harm. Cooking and eating with others boosts physical and mental health and helps build the friendships and community that are the foundations of recovery.
Alcohol Change UK are hosting an online event on 2 July, where speakers will explore why food and nutrition should be an integral part of drug and alcohol treatment.
Find out more information and book your place here.
Webinar on addiction prevention, treatment and support in Yorkshire and Humber
Addiction remains one of the most complex and pressing challenges facing our health and care system cutting across alcohol, tobacco, gambling and substance use, and disproportionately affecting our most vulnerable communities.
This action‑oriented webinar (Monday 15 June, 12.30-2pm) brings together national policy leaders, regional system partners, researchers and innovators to explore how we can make real progress on addictions. The event will:
- Examine where addiction policy and practice are now
- Highlight what’s working in prevention, treatment and recovery
- Showcase high‑impact innovations, including behavioural science, AI‑enabled tools and community‑led models, already delivering impact at scale
The event will spotlight regional priorities across Yorkshire and Humber, alongside real‑world innovation examples and opportunities for collaboration.
World Cancer Research Fund action week on health misinformation
This year, World Cancer Research Fund’s (WCRF) annual Cancer Prevention Action Week (15–21 June 2026) will focus on one of the defining health challenges of our time: health misinformation. It will run as a three-year campaign.
Health information is everywhere. It travels fast, is often taken out of context, and can make it harder for people to know what to trust. Whilst misinformation impacts a range of risk factors, alcohol is of particular concern.
There is a long-documented history of the alcohol industry misconstruing the well-established link between alcohol and cancer. What’s more, alcohol is an outlier in terms of the information legally required on its labels, something the UK government’s commitment to mandatory alcohol labels must address.
WCRF would highly value support on this year’s campaign. Closer to June, WCRF will be sharing a toolkit alongside specific actions on how you can get involved – but in the mean time please contact Mélanie at m.purnode@wcrf.org to register your interest in the campaign and to find out more.
Early-bird tickets for the Medical Council on Alcohol annual symposium now on sale
Early bird tickets are now available for the Medical Council on Alcohol (MCA) annual symposium 2026. Join clinicians, researchers and policymakers on 18 November at the Royal College of Physicians for a full day of expert insight and discussion on alcohol and health. Professor John Holmes will deliver the Max Glatt Memorial Lecture.
This year’s programme will explore key topics including:
- Alcohol Dependence Syndrome
- Psychosocial and pharmacological therapies for Alcoholic Liver Disease
- Updates to the UK Clinical Guidelines for alcohol treatment
- Alcohol and mental health comorbidities
Discounted early bird rates are available for a limited time, and additional savings apply for MCA members and group bookings. Book your place here, or find out more information about membership and discounted rates.
Events
From challenge to change: Innovation tackling addiction
Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber
12.30–2pm, 15 June 2026
Online
Food and belonging
Alcohol Change UK
10am–12.35pm, 2 July 2026
Online
Alcohol research 2026: New thinking, new directions
New Directions in the Study of Alcohol group
6–7 October 2026
University of Stirling
More information coming soon
MCA Annual Symposium 2026
Medical Council on Alcohol
11 November 2026
Royal College of Physicians, London
