EDM 1574: Methanol poisoning, UK traveller risk, awareness and education in schools

That this House is deeply concerned by ongoing deaths and serious injuries among UK nationals overseas caused by methanol poisoning, where industrial alcohol is unknowingly consumed in counterfeit or contaminated spirits; notes that methanol poisoning has occurred in countries including Indonesia, Laos, India, Brazil, Turkey and within Europe; further notes the 2023 findings of coroner Alison Mutch following the death of a British citizen in Bali, highlighting low public awareness, inadequate Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office guidance and the lack of a Government campaign; regrets that UK travel advice requires users to navigate multiple sections and uses insufficiently strong language and contrasts this with the Australian Government’s proactive approach to warning its citizens; recognises that methanol poisoning symptoms are often mistaken for ordinary alcohol intoxication, delaying life-saving treatment; is concerned that travel industry guidance, including that from ABTA, remains minimal; believes stronger public health messaging is urgently required, including clearer online advice, outreach through universities and GPs, and warning materials akin to cigarette packaging campaigns; supports the use of student ambassadors, visual media and real-life case studies to raise awareness; calls on the Government and travel industry to adopt a more robust and visible approach to informing travellers about the dangers of methanol poisoning and staying safe; and further believes that education on this should begin earlier, and supports the inclusion of methanol poisoning awareness within the PSHE curriculum in secondary schools, supported by centrally developed teaching materials and audio-visual resources, to ensure young people are better equipped before travelling.