The Methodist Church has criticised the UK Government's "responsibility deal" to tackle alcohol abuse, suggesting it is a sop to the drinks industry lobby.

Alcohol is the most dangerous drug in our society, and present UK drug classification systems bear little relation to the evidence of harm, according to a drugs expert sacked by the last government. Bob Carling probes behind the headlines and politics to look at the science policy issues and human concerns.

There might not have been anywhere for expectant Mary and her husband Joseph two thousand years ago, but a minister in Lanark, Scotland, says there is plenty of room at the inn this Christmas. At least, at the one to which he is going.

Churches have urged the Welsh Assembly to follow Scotland’s example, and introduce a minimum price per unit of alcohol. The Scottish government announced plans on Monday to clamp down on low price alcohol sales.