MP launches legislation for safe room where addicts can take drugs

An MP has launched a Private Members’ Bill to enable addicts to legally take drugs at a facility in Glasgow.

The move is the latest stage in the campaign by Alison Thewliss for a pilot safer drug consumption room to be established in the city.

The SNP MP for Glasgow Central believes this will help reduce the number of people dying from drug overdoses and help tackle the rise in HIV among drug users there.

There were 867 drugs deaths in Scotland in 2016 – a rise of 23 per cent from the previous year – including 160 in Glasgow.

The MP’S legislation would amend parts of the Uk-wide law governing illegal drug use to enable the facility to be set up in Glasgow without users or employees fearing prosecution.

She said: “The weight of evidence in support of a safe drugs consumption facility has never been more compelling. There are approximately 500 people actively injecting drugs in Glasgow city centre, and recent reports describe the unprecedented HIV outbreak in the city as out of control. What’s more, I am greatly concerned for the safety of my constituents as a result of needles left in bin sheds, closes and back lanes.”

She highlighted a recent Scottish Parliament debate on the issue that secured cross-party support.