Alcohol-related deaths have shot up by almost a quarter in the West Midlands in the past five years.

Deaths caused by conditions such as alcoholic liver disease and alcohol poisoning have soared since 2000, according to figures released amid growing calls for the Government to think again about the relaxation of licensing laws.

There are concerns that longer opening hours will encourage more bingedrinking behaviour and not lead to the more restrained drinking habits seen in other parts of Europe.

There were 6,544 deaths where alcohol was the primary cause in England and Wales in 2004, compared to 5,525 in 2000 - an increase of 18.4 per cent.

But the number of deaths in the West Midlands increased from 604 to 750 - up 24.2 per cent.

The figures were revealed in answer to a parliamentary question submitted by the Liberal Democrats.

Lynne Featherstone, the Lib Dems' spokesman on police, crime and disorder, said: "The Government must address the underlying reasons why people are drinking themselves literally to death.

"I am worried that the proposed change to licensing laws will add to this startling increase in drink-related deaths.

"The Government should pause for more thought before it brings in the changes to the licensing laws in November.

Theresa May, the Shadow Culture Secretary said: "The Government is in complete disarray over the implications of the new opening hours.

"They know as well as everyone else the consequences of this law. With nine out of ten pubs opening longer, it is bound to mean more drinking."

The biggest increase in deaths was in Yorkshire and the Humber, where alcoholrelated deaths soared by 46.5 per cent.

It was revealed over the weekend that Ministers plan an advertising blitz highlighting the evils of binge drinking.

A Department of Health spokeswoman said: "We are concerned about increases in the number of alcohol-related deaths and alcohol abuse as a whole."

She added: " Measures include improving communication so that sensible drinking messages are more relevant to people's day-to-day experiences.

"We are working to improve training of health professionals to recognise the damage caused by alcohol and encouraging them to screen for alcohol-related problems and to offer interventions for those whose alcohol use is putting them at risk.

"Similar initiatives will be introduced in criminal justice settings aimed at reducing repeat offending. We are consulting with the drinks industry on the development of a social responsibility scheme."