Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Problem Drug Use

29 September 2020 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Tommy Sheppard SNP Edinburgh East

Women & EqualitiesMental HealthNHS

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Tommy Sheppard raised concerns about problem drug use in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • Mr Sheppard argues the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 is outdated and harmful to public health initiatives
  • Mr Sheppard proposes declaring problem drug use a public health emergency
  • Mr Sheppard calls for amending the Equality Act to recognize drug dependence as a health condition

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Tommy Sheppard SNP Edinburgh East

Mr. Sheppard argues that the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 is outdated and detrimental, hindering public health initiatives and criminalising drug use instead of treating it as a medical condition. He proposes declaring problematic drug use a public health emergency, requiring reviews on welfare sanctions' effects, making the Department for Health and Social Care lead in drugs policy, decriminalizing small quantities of personal use, promoting safe consumption facilities, combating stigmatization, and amending the Equality Act to recognise drug dependence as a health condition.

Other contributors (1)
  • Tommy Sheppard SNP Edinburgh East

    He highlights that problematic drug use is a significant issue affecting communities across the UK, noting that thousands die and many more have their lives compromised by it. He criticises the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 for criminalising users rather than addressing public health needs, arguing this leads to organised crime involvement, user fear in seeking help, hindered healthcare interventions, and lack of information on drug use issues. Sheppard also argues against claims that changing laws would increase drug use, citing examples like Portugal where such changes have reduced problems.

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