MP's shock at Binge Drinking figures in Colchester

12.00.00am GMT Fri 29th Feb 2008

Dangers of binge drinking

Mr Russell has expressed his shock on learning of the trebling in the number of binge drinkers being admitted to Colchester General Hospital as an emergency.

The figures were release from a Parliamentary Question Mr Russell Tabled which was answered on 22nd January 2008. In her answer the Secretary of State for Health, the Rt Hon Dawn Primarolo MP, indicates that when the Government came to power in 1997 there were a total of 250 alcohol-related admissions, ten years later this has jumped to a staggering 690, a jump of 440 admissions during 2006-2007. Of these, 43 were under 18.

Mr Russell said: "This is a clear warning that binge drinking is now out of hand. There is a need for urgent action at every level.

Praising the staff at Colchester General Hospital, Mr Russell added: "This is placing additional pressure on the accident and emergency department and its resources."

Mr Russell is joining the call, made last month by District Judge David Cooper, when he challenged the Government to spend a morning with him in court to witness for themselves the effects of binge drinking.