The government is facing growing opposition to its plans to liberalise Britain's drinking laws from its own backbenchers and the police.

Former ministers Frank Field and Kate Hoey have been joined by David Hinchliffe, chairman of the Commons health committee, in calling for a rethink of the proposed 24-hour licenses set to come into force in November.

The Police Federation has also spoken out against the claim from ministers that the move was on the recommendation of police advice and would help curb binge drinking.

Meanwhile, a report in the British Medical Journal suggests the number of young women admitted to hospital suffering from alcohol-related disorders is on the rise.