Ross calls for drug addicts’ right to treatment

Douglas Ross has said he would not oppose a pilot scheme on drug consumption rooms in Scotland.

However, the Scottish Conservative leader said these facilities should not be seen as a “silver bullet” in tackling drugs deaths.

His party is proposing a Right to Recovery Bill at Holyrood which would enshrine the right to treatment for addiction in law.

The Scottish Government is considering if it can establish drug consumption rooms, with Deputy First Minister John Swinney saying there were “active discussions” around legal hurdles.

Mr Ross said he still had “serious reservations” about the facilities but the high rate of drugs deaths meant every option should be considered.

He said: “We know from the most recent figures almost four people every single day in Scotland are dying from drugs.

“And that’s why I’m saying we have to look at every option.”

Mr Ross continued: “I’m being clear, I still don’t think this is a silver bullet, I don’t think this is going to solve all our problems.

“But I’m not going to stand in the way of getting further evidence.

“So, I’m not going to oppose a pilot, if that’s what the Scottish Government are going to bring forward.

“But crucially, even those who ardently support these consumption rooms also say they can’t be on their own.

“We need far better rehab facilities and treatment available, which is why it has to go hand-in-hand with my own members’ bill that I’m taking forward, a Right to Recovery Bill, to enshrine in law that everyone who wants support can get it.”