Three years ago, in PoliticsHome, CEO of Veterans Aid Professor Hugh Milroy warned about the legacy of distress the charity was dealing with due to drug-related outflow from HM Armed Forces. Two years later it was revealed that the discharge of large numbers of service personnel due to drug abuse was continuing unabated – approximately 4,000 between 2018 and 2022. In the wake of several distressing cases at Veterans Aid Prof Milroy is urging policymakers to revisit the wide-ranging consequences of 'zero tolerance' dismissals.

The impact of alcohol on the health of the nation is routinely ignored – and yet we know it is driving a public health crisis.

The Government has proposed a once in a generation white paper to clean up the gambling sector.

Loot boxes offer players the chance to buy virtual, randomised rewards within a video game. As concerns mount about young gamers developing gambling-like behaviours, Sophie Church gauges the extent of the problem.

New figures released by the Gambling Commission confirm the rates of problem gambling have fallen to 0.2% in the year to March 2022.

One of my ambitions when becoming a Member of Parliament in 2019 was to try and make a positive difference, especially in areas I felt there was little political focus, but where there should be.

Alcohol touches every part of our society. Its use is normalised in almost every aspect of our lives, whether you’re socialising or relaxing, celebrating or mourning, at home or on holiday. And alcohol dominates our public spaces, whether you’re out in your town or city centre, at the theatre or a music concert.

It’s time to cut through the gambling industry’s cynical and patronising PR and legislate for what people really need – a public health approach to the risks of gambling.

A recent research paper into the  discharge process for men and women dismissed from the Armed Forces for drug use found it ‘inconsistent and damaging’. Pledges to explore and redress this are welcome, but in the interim frontline charities like Veterans Aid are dealing with its devastating impact on individuals and families. Dr Hugh Milroy, CEO of the charity, explains why a review of the policy is needed.

The government has a duty to deliver the public services that guarantee provision and underpin the social fabric that helps prevent mental ill health and addiction in the first place.

The huge increase in alcohol related deaths is one of the worst consequences of the Covid-related mental health emergency. Without action, many more could pay a tragic price.