LABOUR ADOPTS RECORD DRUGS FIGHT AS POLICY
Our call for decriminalisation will be party promise at polls
SCOTTISH Labour has adopted thehe decriminalisation of drug as official policy.
The moves by the party came after the Daily Record’s campaign to treat drug addiction as a health issue rather than a criminal one. ne.
Since our bold front page declaration in July last year, the SNP voted at its conference to adopt a similar stance.
Scottish Labour’s slow pace of reform frustrated senior MSPs such as health spokesperson Monica Lennon and Neil Findlay.
The party’s Scottish Policy Forum agreed to make the big step forward after discussions and it will be incorporated into the Scottish Labour’s manifesto for the next Scottish elections.
Lennon said: “Arresting addicts isn’t the answer to Scotland’s drug death crisis, so I’m proud that Scott ish Labour supports decriminalisation.
“An urgent public health response to this devastating public health emergency is needed. There is widespread support in our party for policies that are evidencebased, progressive and modern, and our manifesto will reflect that.
“I believe this reflects the public mood in Scotland and the Daily Record should be commended for its long-running campaign to smash the stigma that blights the lives of drug users.
“The front pages of the Daily Record have helped to normalise the conversation – and let’s face it, any family could be turned upside down by substance misuse.
“By giving people a platform to tell their stories, the Daily Record has shown that treating people with humanity and dignity is not only the right thing to do, but it is more effective than talking them down.”
Lennon said UK laws are ill equipped to deal with the scourge of drugs in 2020. She said: “The Misuse of Drugs Act is almost 50 years old and ripe for reform. However, we can’t trust the UK Government to act.
“Drug addiction is a public health issue and the powers to tackle this should be devolved to the Scottish Parliament.” Lennon added: “While the Scottish Tories are alone at Holyrood in opposing safe consumption rooms and decriminalisation, all opposition parties agree that SNP Ministers are not doing enough to use the powers and resources they already have.”
"The front pages of the Daily Record have helped to normalise the conversation
MONICA LENNON MSP PRAISES OUR CAMPAIGN