The prime minister has reaffirmed his commitment to a crackdown on binge drinking.

Tony Blair delivered a keynote speech to an audience of drinks industry leaders at lunchtime on Thursday.

He outlined the government's concern over binge drinking which Number 10 had earlier conceded had "become a major problem".

Statistics show that large amounts of police and hospital time are being taken up by alcohol related incidents while drinking is also fuelling anti-social behaviour and yob culture.

Blair said ministers have no wish to deny the public the pleasures of a pint, but that abuse must be dealt with.

"Millions of people drink alcohol responsibly every day," the prime minister said.

"No-one wants to stop that pleasure. But there is a clear and growing problem