THE Scottish Greens have welcomed the Scottish Government’s proposed drug law reform’s.
On Friday, Elena Whitham announced a shift in the Scottish Government position on personal use, as well as a framework for the creation of drug consumption rooms and the consideration of implementing the regulated supply of drugs.
A policy paper produced by the Government said decriminalisation would free “individuals from the fear of accessing treatment and support, reducing drug-related harms and, ultimately, improving lives”.
Within an hour of the press conference finishing, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's official spokesman poured cold water on the proposals.
Labour followed suit, with shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves telling journalists during a visit to Scotland: “The short answer is no."
The Scottish Greens, meanwhile, welcomed the proposals, saying drugs legislation should be devolved so that "we can abandon the failed war on drugs and focus on harm reduction".
Gillian Mackay, health spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, said: “We believe that drug addiction is a public health, not a criminal, issue.
“Health is already devolved to the Scottish Parliament and powers over drugs legislation should clearly also be devolved so we can abandon the failed war on drugs and focus on harm reduction.
“We have seen in countries such as Portugal that decriminalisation of personal possession and a change to a health-led approach for drug policy can reduce the associated stigma with addiction. This allows those who need help to seek it, rather than avoid support due to the potential criminal charges they could face.”
A joint statement from 10 leading drugs charities also welcomed the report, but said the Scottish Government must implement the drug consumption rooms and drug testing facilities “as a matter of urgency”.
