Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town Excerpts

Thursday 25th June 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

The noble Baroness is quite right. This is one of the many reasons that I am enthusiastic, as we move towards the single patient record. We will absolutely ensure that carers and parents—however families are formed, because of course they are formed in different ways—are part of our consideration. The noble Baroness is absolutely right about that.

[Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town (Lab)]

As my noble friend said, this is important before people become pregnant. Many people who become pregnant are of course young women, but so much of the advertising by the alcohol industry is aimed at exactly those youngsters. Although I take the point from the noble Baroness, Lady Finlay, about not involving the industry in the solutions, I do think that the Government should talk about advertising that is not aimed at young women, because they are exactly the ones who might become pregnant.

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

On the matter of advertising, particularly when we think about other areas as well, we work on the basis that we are not banning alcohol use: I absolutely know that my noble friend is not asking for that. I am sure that would not be popular in your Lordships’ House, so it is probably good that I put it on record. However, what matters is that we are all equipped to make the right health decisions and are actively supported, not just through information. Industry has a role to play in promoting responsible drinking, which is important in pregnancy and in general terms as well. It is one of the health risks that we need to tackle. As we move to create the healthiest generation ever, our work on alcohol as well as tobacco and obesity is absolutely key.