The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Scots Tory leader hopes drug bill will get MSP backing at Holyrood
Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross will present “game-changing” draft legislation in Holyrood to tackle drug deaths.
Mr Ross is urging MSPs to rally behind the Right to Recovery Bill following a consultation which saw 77% of respondents support the plans.
The proposal would enshrine the right to receive “potentially lifesaving” treatment, including residential rehabilitation.
Addiction experts have been involved throughout the drafting of the Bill.
Mr Ross believes “radical but practical” action is needed to tackle drug deaths in Scotland.
He said: “Scotland has the worst record in Europe for drug deaths. This is a national tragedy that ought to shame the SNP Government who have presided over the huge rise in numbers.
“There is no one silver bullet in the fight against
drug and alcohol deaths but I firmly believe Right to Recovery can be a game-changer.
“It has been drafted with the help of those with lived experience of addiction, and it will tackle one of the biggest obstacles to recovery those with addictions face: the scarcity of treatment available.
“Today it moves another step closer to the statute book, when I formally submit the final proposal to parliament.
“I would urge MSPs from across the parliament to back Right to Recovery. The current approach to drug and alcohol addiction clearly isn’t working, so radical but common sense action is required and this Bill is that.
“The response to it from stakeholders – including charities, support groups, tenants’ associations and churches – was overwhelmingly positive at the consultation stage.
“Now it’s time for us politicians to get it enacted.”
Angela Constance, minister for drugs policy, said she had an open mind about whether legislation was needed.
She added: “Once the Bill has been published and I and others have had the opportunity to ensure that it will do what it says on the tin, I will give a view on it. I have an open mind about whether, at some point, we need to legislate.”