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Write to the Prime Minister

We need the government to commit to a National Alcohol Strategy that prioritises cancer prevention.

Act now!

World Cancer Research Fund staff and supporters outside parliament

We need your help

You may have seen the troubling news: the UK Government has confirmed it will not include mandatory comprehensive restrictions on alcohol marketing in the 10-Year Health Plan – a proven, cost-effective way to reduce alcohol harm.

This is hugely disappointing, the government’s proposed action on alcohol advertising to bring it in line with junk food, whilst welcome, is not enough. Alcohol causes around 17,000 cancer cases every year in the UK, yet only 1 in 14 people are aware of the link.

Even more concerning, this news gives the alcohol industry an opportunity to mobilise and further weaken or delay the mandatory measures we need to reduce alcohol harm – including clear labelling, pricing reforms and reduced marketing exposure.

Together we need to mobilise further and show our full support for bold and comprehensive government action on alcohol. As such, we would be grateful if you could amplify this disappointing news on your social media channels and consider writing to Keir Starmer.

Take action today

Therefore, we are calling on you to:

🔹 Share your concern on social media (suggested posts below)
🔹 Email or write to the Prime Minister, urging him to reverse this decision and commit to a National Alcohol Strategy (contact details below)

The Government must make good on its Health Mission and work across departments to deliver on its prevention commitments. This is a moment for bold leadership – not backing away.

Suggested social media posts

(feel free to copy and paste):

 X (Twitter):
🚫 The govt has confirmed it won’t implement our alcohol marketing restrictions – despite 17,000 UK cancer cases a year being caused by alcohol.
We need a National Alcohol Strategy now.
@Keir_Starmer – It’s time to act on your health mission. #CancerPrevention #AlcoholHarms

Instagram/Facebook/LinkedIn:
The UK Government confirmed it won’t implement alcohol marketing restrictions – even though alcohol causes around 17,000 cancer cases a year.
World Cancer Research Fund research shows only 1 in 14 people know alcohol increases cancer risk.
We need Keir Starmer to show leadership and deliver a National Alcohol Strategy. It’s time to act on the Government’s promises to prevent ill health and tackle cancer. #CancerPrevention #AlcoholAwareness #PublicHealth

Write to the Prime Minister

You can email him via the Downing Street contact form: https://contact.no10.gov.uk/
Or write to:
The Rt Hon Keir Starmer MP
Prime Minister
10 Downing Street
London
SW1A 2AA

Key messages to include:

  • Express your concern that alcohol marketing restrictions have been dropped
  • Urge the Government to reconsider and take bold, evidence-based action to reduce alcohol harm
  • Call on the PM to deliver a long-overdue National Alcohol Strategy
  • Ask the Government to uphold its Health Mission and work across departments to prioritise prevention

Thank you for standing with us. With your voice and support, we can make it clear that public health must be protected – and that cancer prevention cannot be sidelined.


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