That this House notes the publication of the recent paper on drug reform from the Scottish Government entitled A Caring, Compassionate and Human Rights Informed Drug Policy for Scotland as part of the Scottish Government’s public health approach to problematic drug use; further notes that the paper calls on the UK Government to implement the decriminalisation of all drugs for personal supply, progressed as part of a wider review of drug laws; believes that these are ambitious, evidence-based proposals; agrees that this approach would allow people found in possession of drugs to be treated and supported rather than criminalised and that people in recovery would have a better chance of employment without a criminal record; and calls on Ministers to give serious consideration to this paper and to engage with the Scottish Government on its proposals.

That this House notes the publication of the recent paper on drug reform from the Scottish Government entitled A Caring, Compassionate and Human Rights Informed Drug Policy for Scotland as part of the Scottish Government’s public health approach to problematic drug use; further notes that the paper calls on the...

That this House notes with alarm data released by the Office for National Statistics on 3 August 2022 showing that a record 4,859 deaths related to drug poisoning were registered in England and Wales in 2021; further notes with alarm figures published by National Records of Scotland on 28 July 2022 revealing that 1,330 people lost their lives to drug misuse in Scotland in 2021, higher than any European country; recognises and reaffirms that people struggling with an alcohol or drug problem should get the same support and treatment as those with any other health condition; acknowledges that stigma stops many people accessing the assistance and resources they require; applauds initiatives such as the Stigma Kills awareness campaign, launched by the NHS Addictions Provider Alliance, and The Reporting of Substance Media Toolkit resource for journalists and editors looking to report on alcohol and drugs with dignity and respect, created by Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs and Adfam; and calls on the Government to support the efforts of those challenging stigma, removing barriers to treatment and reducing the devastating level of drug deaths across the UK.

That this House notes with alarm data released by the Office for National Statistics on 3 August 2022 showing that a record 4,859 deaths related to drug poisoning were registered in England and Wales in 2021; further notes with alarm figures published by National Records of Scotland on 28 July...

That this House notes that Public Health England data revealed there were 6,983 alcohol-specific deaths in 2020, an increase of 20 per cent from the previous year; further notes that National Records of Scotland statistics showed there were 1,190 alcohol-specific deaths registered in 2020, representing a 17 per cent increase; recalls that the Alcohol Charter was launched on 16 October 2018 by the Drugs, Alcohol and Justice Cross-Party Group and APPG on Alcohol Harm, providing a basis for an alcohol strategy; is concerned that three years have now passed without the publication of a strategy, during which time the situation has worsened significantly; and calls on the Government to issue an alcohol strategy without further delay.

That this House notes that Public Health England data revealed there were 6,983 alcohol-specific deaths in 2020, an increase of 20 per cent from the previous year; further notes that National Records of Scotland statistics showed there were 1,190 alcohol-specific deaths registered in 2020, representing a 17 per cent increase;...

That this House acknowledges that the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 is not fit for purpose; notes that for 50 years, it has failed to reduce drug consumption and that drug deaths are now at a record high; further notes that instead it has increased harm, damaged public health and exacerbated social inequalities; believes that an evidence-based approach which provides pathways for people with drug difficulties into treatment, rather than the criminal justice system, should be prioritised; urges the earliest examination of international evidence from health-led personal drug consumption regime such as Portugal, where outcomes are startlingly better against every reasonable criteria; and calls upon the Government, as a matter of urgency, to repeal and replace the Act with legislation to ensure that future drug policy protects human rights, promotes public health and ensures social justice.

That this House acknowledges that the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 is not fit for purpose; notes that for 50 years, it has failed to reduce drug consumption and that drug deaths are now at a record high; further notes that instead it has increased harm, damaged public health and...

That this House recognises the work carried out by Police Scotland and the Drug Deaths Taskforce in supporting frontline police officers to carry and administer the opioid overdose reversal spray Naloxone; acknowledges that this constitutes an important step in combating the drug death epidemic which is scarring our communities; celebrates the quick thinking of the two officers in Glasgow who, within a few hours of receiving training, were the first to successfully administer Naloxone and who no doubt saved a life that would have been otherwise lost; and commends the public health approach employed by Police Scotland in dealing with the tragedy of drug-related deaths.

That this House recognises the work carried out by Police Scotland and the Drug Deaths Taskforce in supporting frontline police officers to carry and administer the opioid overdose reversal spray Naloxone; acknowledges that this constitutes an important step in combating the drug death epidemic which is scarring our communities; celebrates...

That this House is concerned to learn that Peter Krykant, who recently set-up a drug consumption van in Glasgow city centre, has been charged and cautioned by Police Scotland; understands that Mr Krykant set up the facility in an attempt to help and support people with addictions; firmly believes that the work he is doing helps to reduce harm and save lives; is grateful for the action taken by a volunteer of the service to save the life of an individual recently by administering Naloxone; is aware that individuals are being driven to these types of interventions as a result of Home Office opposition to the establishment of a Supervised Drug Consumption Facility (SDCF); urges Ministers to view this critical issue not as a criminal justice one, but through the lens of public health and in the context of increasing numbers of drug-related deaths across the UK, in order to properly support people with addictions; and demands that the Government amend the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 immediately to allow for SDCFs to operate legally.

That this House is concerned to learn that Peter Krykant, who recently set-up a drug consumption van in Glasgow city centre, has been charged and cautioned by Police Scotland; understands that Mr Krykant set up the facility in an attempt to help and support people with addictions; firmly believes that...

That this House is appalled by the number of people dying from drug related deaths in the UK; welcomes the reports of the Scottish Affairs and Health Select Committees following their separate inquiries; supports the presentation of the Problem Drug Use Bill; notes that its implementation would ensure the drugs crisis is tackled from a health rather than justice perspective; further supports its calls to make provision for safe drug consumption facilities and to decriminalise the possession of small quantities of drugs for personal use; and calls on the Government to declare problem drug use a public health emergency.

That this House is appalled by the number of people dying from drug related deaths in the UK; welcomes the reports of the Scottish Affairs and Health Select Committees following their separate inquiries; supports the presentation of the Problem Drug Use Bill; notes that its implementation would ensure the drugs...

That this House acknowledges the vital role being performed by drug and alcohol treatment services throughout the country during the covid-19 outbreak; recognises that key workers on the frontline of critical service provision are among the unsung heroes who rarely receive the recognition they deserve; commends the dedication with which they have maintained crucial support for a most vulnerable section of our society; expresses its gratitude for the flexibility shown in adapting to meet the needs of service users in these most difficult current circumstances; recognises that the work has been achieved after a decade of depleted resources as a result of austerity and funding cuts; notes that a surge in mental health issues can be anticipated in the wake of such crises; recommends that to help people stay safe, protect the NHS and save lives, future funding for this often-overlooked sector should be safeguarded; and calls on the Government to ensure drug and alcohol treatment providers are involved in shaping plans for post-pandemic public health provision.

That this House acknowledges the vital role being performed by drug and alcohol treatment services throughout the country during the covid-19 outbreak; recognises that key workers on the frontline of critical service provision are among the unsung heroes who rarely receive the recognition they deserve; commends the dedication with which...