The Scottish Parliament has been condemned for missing a “historic opportunity” to tackle the nation’s problem with alcohol after MSPs rejected Government plans to set a minimum price.
Health groups criticised ministers for failing to take a decision to make Scotland a world leader in tackling alcohol problems.
Despite an impassioned plea by Nicola Sturgeon, MSPs voted 76-49 against the policy at the heart of the new Alcohol Bill, though other key parts of it were passed.
The Health Secretary said rejecting the plan was a sad day for Parliament and accused the opposition of crude party politics.
“The truth is that, for Labour, this policy really only has one fatal flaw – and that is that it is proposed by the SNP,” she said. “It is pathetic, and Labour – a party with such a proud record on public health – should be deeply ashamed of itself.
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