THE Scottish Government’s commitment to radically reform our outdated drug laws is a historic moment.
Decriminalisation of drugs for personal use is a sensible idea which could save lives by allowing addicts to seek treatment rather than face the wrath of the courts.
It would also free up police and the justice system to concentrate on tackling the gangland criminals who profit from the drug trade.
The Daily Record has been an advocate of this policy since 2019.
It is a sign of how the public mood in Scotland has moved on this issue that, instead of widespread horror, the idea has been welcomed by most experts and those working at the sharp end of the drug crisis.
From police officers to medical professionals, almost everyone agrees the reform would save lives and transform communities. The problem is our drug laws are controlled by Westminster – and the man in charge says no.
Rishi Sunak took 10 minutes to reject the idea yesterday – claiming the current prohibition is working.
When all the evidence points to the catastrophic failure of current drug laws, we have to ask Sunak the question: “What the hell are you on?”
It is a shameful and pathetic stance. But the Tories’ refusal to engage raises the question: “What happens next?”
The SNP-led Scottish Government says there are three ways to get the reforms they want.
They say the UK Government can change the law on drugs, devolve the power to Holyrood or independence could give us the power to act.
None of these three possibilities looks like happening.
But there are other actions the Scottish Government can take.
The Lord Advocate has been pondering the legal framework for drug consumption rooms nearly two years after then drugs minister Angela Constance vowed that Scotland would “go it alone”, with or without Westminster’s blessing.
The time for pondering is long gone – and Scotland should move to create these lifesaving measures with haste.
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