Downing Street today rejected Scottish ministers’ calls for the decriminalisation of all drugs for personal use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A new strategy document has asked the United Kingdom to relax restrictions or give Holyrood greater control over the system north of the border.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The SNP has come under fire for failing to address drug concerns in Scotland, where the fatality rate is the highest in Europe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, the latest suggestions claim that decriminalising personal possession would allow addiction to be treated as a ‘health’ issue rather than a legal issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They also suggest that those in recovery would have a higher chance of finding work if they did not have a criminal record.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, Rishi Sunak’s official spokesman dismissed the push. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
‘While I haven’t seen those claims, I’m confident enough to state that there are no intentions to change our harsh position on drugs,’ added the spokesman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The document outlined measures which could be implemented through further devolution, independence, or UK Government action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It suggested this would allow Scotland to push ahead with initiatives such as supervised drug consumption facilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The paper back updating the drug classification system based on harms caused. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The idea of a ‘regulated’ market for drugs supply is also floated, although it stresses Scottish ministers do not currently ‘advocate’ the policy.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Scotland’s Drugs Policy minister Elena Whitham said the proposals could ‘save lives’. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
‘We want to create a society where problematic drug use is treated as a health, not a criminal matter, reducing stigma and discrimination and enabling the person to recover and contribute positively to society,’ she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
‘While we know these proposals will spark debate, they are in line with our public health approach and would further our national mission to improve and save lives.<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Downing Street today rejected Scottish ministers’ calls for the decriminalisation of all drugs for personal use. A new strategy document has asked the United Kingdom to relax restrictions or give … <\/p>\n