As drugs deaths hit a record high, party to debate decriminalisation

PLANS for the potential decriminalisation of illegal drugs are to be debated by the SNP – as the number of overdose deaths in Scotland reaches a record high.

A leaked copy of the agenda for October’s party conference proposes a move towards ‘approaching substance misuse as a public health issue rather than a criminal matter’.

Ministers would have to lobby Westminster for the power to change drug laws as they are reserved to the UK Government.

Last night, a leading independent drugs expert, Professor Neil McKeganey, said any move to decriminalise all drugs could be a ‘major vote loser’ for the SNP.

He said: ‘I interpret this conference motion as a clear sign the SNP is going to be actively considering decriminalisation.

‘The “drugs is a health not a criminal justice issue” is thinly disguised code for decriminalisation, since if you promote the view that criminal justice agencies do not have a role to play in drugs policy... you have effectively made the case decriminalisation.’

Delegates at the Glasgow conference are set to debate a motion, which appears on the provisional agenda, calling for a ‘comprehensive review’ of drug policy.

It comes after figures this week showed the number of drug-related deaths in Scotland had soared 3 per cent in the past year to 867. Scotland now has the highest rate of drug-related deaths in the EU.

Last night, Scottish Tory health spokesman Miles Briggs said: ‘The SNP conference is quite right to debate this critical matter.

‘Scotland’s drugs problem – which is the worst in Europe – is already a public health matter and should be dealt with as such.

‘However, we want to see tougher punishments for the dealers and suppliers routinely ruining – and ending – lives in Scotland.’