Now SNP wants to decriminalise drugs

THE SNP could decriminalise drugs in the latest expansion of its controversial ‘softtouch’ approach to justice.

Party members yesterday backed a call for the Scottish Government to launch a substances review looking at ‘all options for harm reduction, including drug classification, decriminalisation, legislation and regulation’.

But opponents warned the move was giving a ‘free pass to users and dealers’.

The passed motion – supported by Public Health Minister Aileen Campbell – would mean police could turn a blind eye if people are found with small quantities of heroin, cocaine or cannabis. Delegates also backed an amendment stating that all powers relating to drugs policy should be devolved to Holyrood.

The motion states: ‘Drug policy requires a comprehensive review. Approaching substance misuse as a public health issue rather than a criminal matter would greater support families and communities, lift the stigma associated with addiction, remove barriers between police and communities and allow policy to reflect the values of our progressive society.’

During the debate, MP Ronnie Cowan said: ‘Experts on drug addiction and crime prevention have come to the same conclusion: this is a health issue, not a criminal one.

‘When we started the war on drugs, we moulded this [criminal] perception and created the intolerant attitude we have today... and we have ostracised and stigmatised drug users.’

But Scottish Tory justice spokesman Liam Kerr said: ‘This would suggest that the SNP is considering giving a free pass to drug users and dealers that are the scourge of communities across Scotland.

‘This risks sending out entirely the wrong message.

‘We should be focusing on education and putting an end to the soft-touch justice approach we have seen repeatedly.’

The SNP introduced recorded police warnings at the start of last year, which mean that those who carry out ‘low-level offences’ get a ‘slapped wrist’ rather then being charged and facing court.