Monica Lennon MSP (Image: PA)

UK drug laws 'not fit for purpose' and 'failing' people across the country, says Scottish Labour MSP

Monica Lennon spoke out after it was revealed this week that deaths from drugs in Scotland rose by 12 per cent last year to almost 1,200.

by · Daily Record

UK drugs laws are "not fit for purpose" and are "failing" people across the country, a Scottish Labour MSP has warned.

Monica Lennon spoke out after it was revealed this week that deaths from drugs in Scotland rose by 12 per cent last year to almost 1,200.

The party's former health spokeswoman is an advocate of decriminalising drug possession for personal use - a policy which is not supported by Labour at Westminster.

The Scottish Government formally called for decriminalisation last year to allow people to be "treated and supported rather than criminalised and excluded".

But key laws on drug classification are reserved to the UK Government.

The 1971 Misuse of Drugs Act remains the basis of the country's anti-drugs legislation despite being widely viewed by campaigners as out of date.

Lennon admitted she was "frustrated" that Keir Starmer has not signalled he is prepared to change course on drug laws since he took power.

Speaking at an Edinburgh Fringe event today, she said: "It's no secret that I have been frustrated at some positions that Keir has taken," the MSP said. "For example, on decriminalisation of drugs. There's maybe a difference there.

"I said to Keir, when he visited Scotland a couple of years ago, with his background in the prosecution service, that he would look at thingd differently. But I think that's a work in progress.

"We have just seen the drug deaths statistics in Scotland. It's horrific, it's beyond tragic. We're all out of words on this and it's action that we need to see.

"Scotland has the highest drug deaths rate in Europe, but too many people are dying in the rest of the UK too.

"I think we have to accept the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 is not fit for purpose, and it's failing people across the country. It perpetuates stigma and fear.

"If you're in the grip of addiction, particularly around drugs which are currently illegal, you are going to be frightened to reach and get support. You might be afraid your kids are going to be taken away by social work.

"I think we've got to realise (existing laws) have not been working."

She added: "If you live in the most deprived areas of Scotland, you are 15 times more likely to die from your drug use.

"We do have rehab services and recovery, but right now, it's the rich that can afford to access that. And people who need it the most, and need that intervention, their options are so limited."

Scottish politics

The Scottish Lib Dems yesterday called for Neil Gray, the Health Secretary, to update MSPs on what was being done to reduce the rising number of deaths from drugs in Scotland.

Party leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said: "It is essential that SNP ministers set out how they intend to provide frontline services with the resources they need to tackle this emergency."

A Scottish Government spokesman said: "Ministers would be happy to provide a statement to Parliament."

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