The Scottish Conservatives have made a major policy U-turn by supporting SNP plans for minimum pricing of alcohol.
The Tories have been staunch opponents of the move, which is designed to tackle Scotland’s unhealthy relationship with drink, and voted against it in the last parliament.
But leader Ruth Davidson said ”major concessions” from the SNP had been enough to convince the party to back the proposals.
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon agreed to attach a ”sunset clause” to the legislation, meaning it will be reviewed after five years.
The EU will also be officially notified of the proposals in advance, in a move it is hoped will ward off potential legal action against the legislation.
The backing of the Scottish Conservatives comes after Tory Prime Minister David Cameron indicated he was considering a similar measure in England and Wales.
”Support for alcohol minimum pricing represents a major policy shift for the Scottish Conservatives,” Ms Davidson said.
”It follows my commitment as leader to undertake a widespread review of policy and reflects our strategy of seeking to improve Parliamentary Bills in the face of an SNP majority at Holyrood. I am delighted we have managed to secure two major concessions which will reassure the retail industry following productive negotiations with the Health Secretary.
”While we retain our scepticism, with the security of a ‘sunset clause’ we have resolved to give minimum pricing a chance to succeed.”
While the SNP majority at Holyrood means Conservative support was not required to pass the legislation this time round, the support confirmed on Thursday was welcomed by Ms Sturgeon.
She said: ”We welcome this support from the Scottish Conservatives who have now added their names to the list of doctors, nurses, academics, politicians and growing numbers of the general population who recognise the harm alcohol is doing to our communities and the benefit minimum pricing will bring saving lives and reducing crime.”
Government sources suggested the increased support in the parliament could mean the risk of court action being launched against the measure would be reduced.
Photo by Rui Vieira/PA Wire