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UK Minister blasts SNP plans for illegal ‘consumption’ rooms

THE UK Government has launched a damaging attack on controversial SNP plans to open ‘drug consumption’ rooms in Scotland.

The Scottish Government confirmed last week that proposals to set up ‘safer consumption’ facilities – where addicts can take drugs under supervision and without fear of prosecution – are at an ‘advanced stage.’

But yesterday Kit Malthouse, the UK Minister for Policing, hit out at the plan – with a stark warning that taking Class A drugs such as heroin and cocaine is ‘dangerous and against the law’, and branding the SNP’s plan for drug rooms a ‘blunt instrument’.

His comments are a direct put-down to Angela Constance, the Scottish Government’s Drugs Policy Minister, who has said she will leave ‘no stone unturned’ to set up the facilities.

The centres will allow heroin addicts to purchase illegal drugs from dealers and inject them in sites across the country. Ms Constance argues the centres will prevent overdose deaths as medical staff will be on hand, giving addicts access to expert assistance.

But critics have warned the Scottish Government has been tricked into believing the rooms are a ‘silver bullet’ solution despite shaky evidence to support them.

Mr Malthouse said: ‘Taking drugs such as heroin and cocaine is dangerous and against the law.

‘What if someone had an overdose whilst using a drug consumption room? Would a member of staff be liable for that death?’

He added: ‘Drug consumption rooms are often portrayed as a silver bullet for what is a complex, deep-rooted issue. They are a blunt instrument with mixed evidence to prove they work.’

Last week in Holyrood, Ms Constance restated her determination to set up the rooms. Scottish Labour also published a public consultation on the matter, calling for the sites to open amid cross-party support.

Ms Constance told the Scottish parliament: ‘The only debate now is how they are actually delivered and the Scottish Government is leaving no stone unturned to deliver clinically and legally safe consumption facilities within our powers.’

Drug laws are reserved to Westminster. And with the UK Government refusing new legislation, drug consumption rooms remain illegal.

But last year Scotland’s chief prosecutor, the Lord Advocate, changed guidance to police.

While possession of Class A drugs will remain illegal, officers are advised that people caught with small amounts of cocaine and heroin need not be prosecuted, but can receive a recorded police warning.

This paves the way for addicts to use drug rooms without the threat of arrest or court action.

The new plans come as Scotland remains the ‘drugs death capital of Europe’ with 1,295 overdose fatalities last year alone.

It is thought the first centres could open in Dundee or Glasgow.

Mr Malthouse has argued that the Scottish Government should embrace Project Adder – which has seen successes in England and Wales in cracking down on suppliers and offering addicts treatment.

Ms Constance has said drug deaths are a public health matter and ruled out tougher police enforcement.