RIVAL Holyrood politicians have called for action to bring down the number of alcohol-related deaths in Inverclyde after the area recorded the worst booze death rate in the country.

Figures published on Tuesday by National Records of Scotland showed that there were 33 alcohol-related deaths in the area in 2023, up by five on the previous 12 months.

West of Scotland MSP Jamie Greene, who was born in Greenock, believes the statistics show the current approach to tackling the area’s alcohol problem is not working.

READ MORE: Inverclyde's alcohol death rate is worst in Scotland

The Conservative politician said: “These figures are yet another tragic reminder of the effects of alcohol abuse on individuals and their families.

“The impact of alcohol and addiction on Inverclyde in particular is devastating, and it is clear that the need for locally based solutions is greater than ever.

 “As with drug related deaths, the Scottish Government must make it a priority to tackle the scourge of addiction and abuse where it is most prevalent.

“The fact that alcohol related deaths remain the highest in more deprived areas is evidence that the government’s approach simply is not working.

 “My thoughts go out to everyone who has lost a loved one to alcohol related harm. Every death due to alcohol is preventable, but our local services must have the support they need from government at all levels.

“I urge the government to work with local services to provide them with the resources they need to prevent more lives being lost to alcohol.”

Tuesday’s figures revealed Inverclyde’s 'age-standardised mortality rate', of 33.9 per 100,000 people over the last five years – a key metric used to determine the scale of the issue - was the highest in Scotland.

The next highest was Glasgow City at 32.8, and third was North Lanarkshire with 29.5.

Mr Greene's fellow West Scotland MSP, Katy Clark, has called for immediate action to address the problem.

Ms Clark, Scottish Labour's shadow spokesperson for community safety, said: “Every death is a personal tragedy.

"These numbers represent real families and communities devastated by alcohol. We need stronger prevention measures to save lives.”

She is calling for enhanced prevention, addiction support, and public education, stressing the need for accessible services and targeted campaigns to address alcohol dependency’s root causes.

The Labour MSP added: “These deaths are preventable. We must take decisive action—improving support, education, and investment to tackle addiction and its underlying social issues. The time to act is now.”

Stuart McMillan, SNP MSP for Greenock and Inverclyde, previously said the area's high levels of alcohol-specific deaths were not likely to fall without action to "deal with the root causes of poverty".