Drug problem needs radical action – FM

Controversial measures called for to tackle scourge of drugs

Holyrood should be prepared to adopt “controversial” measures to tackle the drug deaths crisis in Scotland, says Nicola Sturgeon.

The First Minister said her government must be brave in weathering the likely backlash in addressing the “national outrage”.

Dundee has the highest rate of drugs deaths in Scotland, with 12 suspected cases recorded in January alone. There were 38 drug-related deaths in the city in 2016, according to National Records of Scotland.

Labour MSP Neil Findlay called on Ms Sturgeon to lead a “bold” change of a policy widely referred to as the “war on drugs”.

“Scotland has the highest level of drug deaths in Europe. If this was from knife crime or flu there would rightly be a national outrage,” Mr Findlay told First Minister’s Questions.

“Doing the same in policy terms and expecting a different result just won’t work so will the First Minister take a bold step and consider looking very seriously and working across parliament on a major change of drugs policy and stop people dying and end this public health crisis.”

In October last year, delegates at the SNP conference called for Ms Sturgeon to overhaul drugs policy as part of a major review which explores legalisation.

The power to decriminalise or legalise lies with the UK Government, with classification reserved to Westminster. Policies for how to approach and police addiction and drug use are devolved.

The First Minister told Holyrood yesterday: “On this issue there is always a need for new and bold thinking and we should try and come together and do that and be prepared to sometimes do things that may be controversial and may in some areas may be unpopular.

“But where there is an evidence base for them, we should have the courage to do them.”

The SNP leader backed the principle of fixing rooms, which provide a safe place for people to inject drugs and are being considered in Glasgow and Dundee.

David Liddell, from Scottish Drugs Forum, welcomed the comments from the First Minster.

“We can protect people by ensuring they get prompt access and are retained appropriately in good quality treatment which is responsive to the needs of individuals,” he said.

“We know that being in treatment is protective against fatal overdose. People need a range of substitution options including heroin. A drug consumptions room may be appropriate in a city like Dundee.”

Police, health workers, politicians and local drugs agencies will come together on Monday for the first meeting of the Drugs Commission, which is organised by Dundee City Council.

If this was from knife crime or flu there would rightly be a national outrage. LABOUR MSP NEIL FINDLAY

The First Minister told Holyrood there is always a need for new and bold thinking on the issue.