Behind these numbers are devastated families
Lessons to be learned in Portugal and Germany
A change of approach is needed to tackle the drugs problem.
That is according to Lanark & Hamilton East SNP MP Angela Crawley (below). It comes after she visited Frankfurt and Lisbon with the Health Select Committee.
There, the parliamentary delegation evaluated the drug policies in both Germany and Portugal,where they have introduced different measures to tackle addiction.
In Germany they legalised safeconsumption rooms, while Portugal decriminalised drugs.
The visit follows news that there were 58 Scotland’s drug deaths are now a national crisis, says a Central Scotland Labour MSP.
Monica Lennon, a former Hamilton councillor, said the status quo cannot continue.
She said:“behind these heart-breaking numbers are devastated families who have lost sons, daughters, mothers and fathers in every part of Scotland. It’s deeply concerning that NHS Lanarkshire accounted for 11 per cent of all drug deaths in Scotland last year.
“Scotland’s drug crisis is out of control and the status quo cannot continue. drug-related deaths in South Lanarkshire last year, according to official statistics. Now the Hamilton MP has called for a public health approach to drug policy and backed the idea of safe consumption rooms. Ms Crawley said:“to tackle the scourge of drug use facing communities, we must treat people and all their complex needs, not just addiction but tackle the inequalities and traumas behind substance misuse. “The Scottish Government has called for the devolution of powers over drug laws so that new emergency measures can be
“That is why Scottish Labour has consistently called on SNP Ministers to declare a public health emergency and use every power available to them to tackle this crisis.
“But it is clear the UK Government must also reassess its approach and listen to experts and those living with substance misuse to find the best way to stop more families being left heartbroken.
“These drug deaths are preventable and Holyrood and Westminster must work together to solve this national crisis.” implemented. One such proposition expected to save lives is a supervised drug consumption facility in Glasgow.
“However this was blocked by the UK government despite receiving support from the Scottish Parliament.
“Drug deaths aren’t unique to the UK, but elsewhere they’ve prompted an evidencebased response to try and save lives.
“In Germany we heard of similar problems which paved the way for sanctioned drug consumption rooms.
“The UK Government must recognise that Scotland faces an emergency and if they won’t take action, they must give Scotland the power to stop further unnecessary deaths.”