Britain’s ‘broken society’ has led to unhealthy and illegal behaviour amongst teenagers, including a 51 per cent rise in alcohol-related admissions in 2006 – 2007 compared to 2000 – 2001. Last year, 12,682 teenagers were admitted, say the Tories, based on official NHS and Department of Health statistics.

Admissions related to obesity, drugs, sexual health and smoking also all rose since the turn of the century. Treating teenagers for these costs the NHS an estimated £130 million a year – up from around £100 million in 2000.

Britain is not the only country suffering from teenage binge drinking issues, however, It has been revealed that France – famed for a more relaxed attitude towards children drinking alcohol – is suffering from le binge drinking.

The French health ministry has reported the percentage of under-18s saying they got drunk regularly rose from nineteen to 26 per cent between 2003 and 2006. The number of people under 24 treated in hospital for alcohol-related issues increased by nearly fifty per cent between 2004 and 2007.

This has led Roselyne Bachelot, the French health minister, to announce plans to make it illegal for under-18s to buy alcohol. At present, 16-year olds can – similarly to their English counter-parts – buy wine and beer (but not spirits) in cafes and restaurants. Unlike the UK, 16-year olds can buy any alcoholic drink in supermarkets or off-licences.

The government also released Boire Trop (Too Much To Drink), a campaign similar to the Know Your Limits campaign currently being run in this country.

Studies show, however, that those who start drinking under the age of 18 are more likely to consume more in later life than those who start later, according to the National Institute for Health Prevention and Education.