House of Commons · Bill Debate
29 October 2021 · 16 other contributors
Opened by Rob Butler Con Aylesbury
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Rob Butler raised concerns about the prisons (substance testing) bill - clause on drug testing in approved premises in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
Key points
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Moves an amendment to extend the substance testing regime from prisons to approved premises, including urine testing and a wider range of drugs. Emphasises the importance of rehabilitating high-risk offenders through better drug monitoring to reduce reoffending.
Supports the amendment, referencing his experience with substance misuse in prisons. Suggests the legislation could address uncontrollable behaviour by prisoners in treatment centres.
Asks about the scope of drug testing and how to keep up with new drugs appearing on the market, expressing concern that existing legislation is reactive rather than proactive.
Questions whether the proposed regime would protect rehabilitated individuals from bullying by those seeking illicit substances, highlighting concerns about residents being coerced into giving up their medication.
Asks why hair follicle samples are not considered as a testing method, suggesting an alternative means to detect substance abuse over longer periods.
Inquires about the expected prevalence of different drugs among approved premises residents when testing occurs, suggesting a need to understand current substance abuse patterns.
Supported the amendment, noting its importance in reducing drug-related deaths on approved premises. Raised concerns about the knock-on effects of drug use on community safety and asked if increased testing would help improve standing.
Asked about sanctions for those who possess, supply and use substances under the proposed wider range of tests. Emphasised the Bill's aim to reduce drug-related deaths and aid rehabilitation.
Asked about sanctions for those who possess, supply and use substances under the proposed wider range of tests. Emphasised the Bill's aim to reduce drug-related deaths and aid rehabilitation.
Praised Rob Butler for his work on criminal justice issues, noted that early intervention is in place for those who fail drug tests. Suggested a more restorative approach to rehabilitation might be better.
Agreed with the need for early intervention and support after release, highlighting that it helps reduce reoffending rates. Emphasised the importance of a supportive approach.
Concerned about the impact of prison shutdowns during the pandemic, noting reduced availability of training and support for prisoners. Suggested urgent Government steps to improve prisoner welfare.
Asked about exclusions in the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016, specifically caffeine. Requested assurances that such exclusions would be addressed at later stages.
Supported Second Reading of the Bill. Noted the importance of a safe environment for residents and the need to protect them from drug supply. Highlighted substance abuse’s impact on individuals, families and society. Supported updating testing methods to combat new psychoactive substances.
Supported the Bill as it updates ageing legislation, empowering staff to prevent drug misuse in approved premises. Emphasised rehabilitation and support for residents as they reintegrate into society.
Supports the Bill, highlighting the importance of drug testing in prisons for rehabilitation. Emphasises that drug use delays people's progress and can cause severe health issues upon release from prison.
Supports the Bill, citing existing initiatives like Project ADDER that combine policing with enhanced treatment services. Highlights the importance of comprehensive substance testing to identify trends and reduce drug-related harm in approved premises.