With alcohol-specific deaths rising by nearly 46% since 2012, we will continue to advocate for this evidence-based intervention. We hope that all parties who support MUP will ensure their manifestos for the Assembly elections next May contain a commitment to seek to bring forward MUP in the next Assembly mandate.

We hope that those who are yet to be convinced of the merits of the policy will continue to engage in discussion.

• NICHS agrees with the Chief Medical Officer for Northern Ireland, Dr Michael McBride, that the evidence in favour is ‘irrefutable’.

• NICHS believes that the evidence for Scotland shows that the policy was effective at 50p and will be even more so at 65p (the updated rate in Scotland and also the current rate in the Republic of Ireland.)

We look forward to the introduction of this measure and we welcome the written assurance of the Secretary of State, Hilary Benn MP, confirming that this is a UK wide legislation that will be implemented in all parts of the UK, including in NI, with full backing of the NI Assembly.

We are also looking forward to the introduction of a Vaping Register for retailers to better protect our young people from nicotine addiction through better enforcement. The Act also allows for the licensing of retail premises, hopefully during the next Assembly term.

NICHS will be seeking to engage with MLAs and party staff about the policies and actions that we believe political parties should be committing to in their manifestos for the elections next year, including:

• Tobacco - it remains the leading cause of preventable illnesses and death and the biggest driver of health inequalities. The NI Assembly needs to set a target to make NI smoke free, reducing smoking by 5% by 2035. It is also essential NI implements all aspects of the Tobacco and Vaping Act.

• Stroke Reform - Pressing for the full implementation of the Stroke Action Plan and ensuring patient representation in reform boards. NICHS are supporting the call for thrombectomy for stroke patients to be made available 24/7, and will be attending the campaign photocall on the steps of Parliament Buildings on Tuesday 19th May alongside our colleagues from the Stroke Association.

• Cardiac Care - Advocating for a dedicated Cardiovascular Health Plan for NI and better detection of Atrial Fibrillation (AF).

• Right to Rehab - Working with the Community Rehabilitation Alliance NI to secure a "right to rehabilitation" in the Executive’s Programme for Government.

• Minimum Unit Pricing – as part of a comprehensive plan to tackle alcohol abuse and addiction, we should introduce MUP at 65p per unit.

• Prevention & Tackling Health Inequalities - Working with our health charity partners through the NCD (Noncommunicable Diseases) Alliance, we are producing a new joint manifesto to put prevention higher on the policy agenda and to drive smart, deliverable calls to action to protect and improve public health for the future.