Questions remain over drug policy shift

The SNP may be considering decriminalisation, but the arguments in favour have yet to be made

When Kenny Macaskill, the former justice secretary, called for a radical liberalisation of drugs policy in late 2015, the SNP was quick to dismiss the idea. Even if such powers were devolved, a spokeswoman for the Scottish Government noted, it had “no plans” to support the legalisation or decriminalisation of illegal substances.

The brief exchange attracted a flurry of headlines, but left little room for debate. The SNP’S position was fixed. Less than two years on, however, there has been a seismic shift in the party’s thinking.

Addressing the SNP conference, public health minister Aileen Campbell backed an amended resolution for a comprehensive review of drug policy, considering “all options for harm reduction, including drug classification, decriminalisation, legalisation and regulation.”

The SNP counts in its ranks some longstanding advocates of decriminalisation, such as Ronnie Cowan, the MP for Inverclyde and vicechair of the all party parliamentary group for drug policy reform. But yesterday’s announcement is significant, given it signals a sea change in party policy.

It is not clear what sparked the shift, but ignominious figures released in August by National Records of Scotland, and cited yesterday by Ms Campbell, doubtless played a part. They showed there were 867 drug-related deaths in Scotland last year, a 23 per cent increase on 2015 and the third successive year that an unwanted record has been set.

However, some observers believe political manoeuvring has a part to play in the SNP’S thinking, noting that while the issue has never been a priority for the party, the chance to press Westminster for more powers in the current climate is an opportunity that cannot be missed.

It remains to be seen whether the conference resolution finds its way into government policy. Any such decision seems some way off, as well it should be. As things stand, we are not remotely close to dispelling the very real fears of many people that decriminalisation would make Scotland’s drug problem considerably worse, increasing addiction and normalising the use of drugs. The debate must also ask what the impact would be if drugs policy was devolved, but immigration remained under Westminster’s control.

The so-called war on drugs is a political minefield, as the SNP is about to find out.