HUNDREDS of lives in some of Scotland’s poorest communities will be lost without an increase to the minimum unit pricing for alcohol, MSPs have been warned.

Introduced at 50p in 2018, it is widely credited with falls in alcohol-related deaths (13.4 per cent) and hospital admissions (4.1 per cent).

Now, ahead of a crucial vote to renew the legislation, more than 80 organisations have united to write to Holyrood’s health committee arguing an increase to 65p could save as many as 800 lives.

Dr Alastair MacGilchrist of Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems said: “To set it a rate any less than 65p would result in lives concentrated in our poorest communities being unnecessarily lost.”

Alcohol Focus Scotland’s Alison Douglas said: “We hope that all parties will come together to continue with and uprate minimum unit pricing as part of a multifaceted approach to changing Scotland’s relationship with alcohol.”

SNP Deputy First Minister Shona Robison said: “We believe the proposals, which are supported by Scotland’s chief medical officer, strike a reasonable balance between public health benefits and any effects on the alcoholic drinks market and impact on consumers.”