MIDDLEWICH’S MP has called on the government to tax cheap white cider.

At a debate in Westminster Hall on October 31, Fiona Bruce MP detailed how introducing a higher band of duty for cider with alcoholic strength between 5.5 and 7.5 per cent would be a ‘commitment to social justice.’

She spoke of a mother, Joanne Good, whose 16-year-old daughter Megan died in her sleep after drinking 1.5 litres of Frosty Jack’s at a New Year’s Eve party.

Fiona said: “The homelessness charity Thames Reach says ‘super-strength drinks have become one of the biggest causes of premature death of homeless people in the UK and are doing more damage than heroin and crack cocaine.’

“Introducing a higher band of duty in the forthcoming budget would be a targeted and proportionate response.

“It would leave the majority of ciders completely unaffected and the vast majority of products subject to the new rate would be white ciders.

“I am offering the Government a healthier option with an increase in tax take. What’s not to like?”

Fiona also signed Early Day Motion 448 on Alcohol Strategy and Minimum Unit Pricing.