Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Glasgow Safer Drug Consumption Facility 2025-10-13

13 October 2025 · 7 other contributors

Opened by Patricia Ferguson Lab Glasgow West

ScotlandNHS

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Patricia Ferguson raised concerns about glasgow safer drug consumption facility 2025-10-13 in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • The Scottish Affairs Committee published a report on the Thistle safer drug consumption facility in Glasgow.
  • Scotland has Europe's highest rate of drug-related deaths, according to the committee.
  • The committee calls for an evidence-based approach to determine the future of the facility.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Patricia Ferguson Lab Glasgow West

The Scottish Affairs Committee has published a report on the pilot safer drug consumption facility in Glasgow's east end, known as 'the Thistle'. Despite a reduction in deaths this year, Scotland faces Europe’s highest rate of drug-related deaths. The committee agrees that without a doubt, this is the most pressing public health issue facing Scotland and calls for an evidence-based approach to determine the future of the facility. It acknowledges the need for a considered legal framework, recognises the cost-effectiveness of such facilities and encourages their adaptation to meet evolving needs. The report also highlights the importance of community support and ongoing evaluation.

Other contributors (7)
  • Harriet Cross Con Gordon and Buchan

    While supporting the overall recommendation, she opposes the inclusion of an inhalation room and provision of tourniquets due to ethical concerns. She questions why the report concludes that the pilot should be extended before knowing its results.

  • Siân Berry Green Brighton Pavilion

    Asks about the chances of a lesser legal mechanism from the Attorney General to give comfort in relation to the risk of prosecution for people using and running such facilities in England and Wales. Patricia Ferguson responds that they did not take evidence on the situation elsewhere in the UK.

  • John Grady Lab Glasgow East

    Expresses concern about drug litter and public injecting near the facility, suggesting a robust strategy for communication with the local community. He emphasises that proper consultation is essential to address constituent worries.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Acknowledges concerns about the recommendations but recognises similar issues in Belfast. Suggests sharing information from the Thistle pilot scheme with colleagues in Belfast.

  • Kirsteen Sullivan Lab/Co-op Bathgate and Linlithgow

    Highlights that drug consumption rooms are just one of several tools to reduce drug-related harms. She emphasises the importance of a holistic approach, including recovery beds and facilities.

  • Adam Jogee Lab Newcastle-under-Lyme

    Discusses challenges in religious and ethnic minority communities regarding stigma around drugs. Asks about the outreach at Thistle for these furthest-to-reach communities.

  • Rachael Maskell Ind York Central

    Asks how the centre is developing a harm reduction model and evaluating it, with particular focus on engagement with clinicians. Patricia Ferguson responds that the facility currently focuses on injecting drugs but aims to offer support through referrals.

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