Supports the need for a public health approach to drugs policy that includes harm reduction strategies and diversion schemes. She cites personal experience from her constituency of York Central, where she has seen the positive outcomes of such an approach.

Acknowledges that current measures like initial warnings and fixed penalty notices do not preclude diversion schemes from being offered to individuals caught with cannabis. He implies flexibility within the existing legal framework.

This is a very important debate and we have another important debate following. I will not introduce a time limit at this juncture, but I ask Members making contributions to be mindful of the length of those contributions in order that we can get everybody in.

Mr. Blunt emphasised that the Misuse of Drugs Act has failed and urged for a change towards a public health, cross-Government approach. He mentioned that current drug scheduling lacks scientific validation and suggested immediate removal of barriers to medical research on drugs like psilocybin, MDMA, LSD, DMT, and cannabis.

Sheppard criticises the failure of the Act to control drug use and its negative impacts on public health. He calls for a review based on international evidence and suggests immediate measures like allowing overdose prevention centres, which he has seen work in Portugal, Germany, and Canada.

Kieran Mullan intervenes to question Sheppard's argument by pointing out the success of methadone replacement therapy for tens of thousands of heroin users.

The current drug policy is not effective; enforcement alone cannot tackle the supply chain. Legalising cannabis could help control quality, reduce harm, and raise taxes but may also lead to an increase in usage and criminal activity. Education and support for young people are crucial to reducing demand.

Responding to Nicholas Fletcher's concerns about cannabis legalisation, the speaker notes that different compounds in cannabis can cause problems; THC is particularly harmful while CBD may be less so. Legalising and regulating cannabis could result in a safer product with balanced compounds.

Drug addiction is an illness, not just a criminal issue. A health response is needed rather than a criminal justice approach. The speaker describes his experience at an overdose prevention site in Boston and emphasises the need for humane solutions such as prescribing and decriminalisation.

The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 has failed to prevent drug misuse. Drug policy reforms are necessary as other countries have successfully implemented decriminalisation and legalisation, saving lives and promoting rehabilitation.

Drug addiction must be treated as a health issue rather than a criminal justice problem. The current approach fuels violence and corruption, with drug trade taking over parts of the economy. A different path should be chosen, like Portugal's method, allowing devolution to Scotland for testing new approaches.

In his speech, Kieran Mullan emphasised that while abstinence-based policies prevent many people from taking illicit drugs, reforming the current approach could lead to increased usage. He argued against decriminalising drugs without considering the potential for rising addiction rates and criminal activity associated with drug dealing. He also highlighted the complexity of addiction recovery and the reality of enforcement on the streets.

Grahame Morris argued that the Misuse of Drugs Act has failed after 50 years, advocating for pilot schemes to test new approaches. He highlighted the correlation between drug-related deaths and deprivation, emphasising the need for a public health approach rather than criminal justice measures. He called for significant investment in rebuilding services and supporting those with complex needs.

The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 has failed in its objectives. Alison advocates for a shift from criminal justice interventions to public health measures such as medically supervised drug consumption rooms, noting the success of similar initiatives in Switzerland and other countries.

Calls for a review of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, highlighting its failure to protect young black men from over-policing and under-protection. Janet emphasises the need for public health approaches that treat addiction as an illness and invest in rehabilitation rather than incarceration.

She recounted her experience as a primary school teacher in a deprived area where she learned from a teacher that most of her students had a direct connection to drug-related issues, such as addiction or involvement with dealers. She emphasised the need to treat drug abuse and addiction as an illness rather than a criminal issue, advocating for a public health approach instead of punitive measures.

He described his experience as a police officer in London during the 1970s and 1980s, highlighting how the Misuse of Drugs Act led to significant waste of resources and increased racial tensions. He called for drug misuse to be treated as a public health issue and urged the Government to review the law and adopt an evidence-based drugs policy based on a multi-agency, public health approach.

Ms Jardine expressed her anger over the continued existence of the Misuse of Drugs Act, which she believes has failed to address drug-related issues since its inception in 1971. She highlighted that there have been more than 1.8 million convictions under the Act and that drug misuse has risen twenty-fivefold in Scotland between 1969 and 2019. Jardine emphasised the need for a public health approach, citing Portugal's successful shift from criminalisation to decriminalisation in 2001, which led to significant reductions in overdose deaths, drug-related crime, and HIV rates.

Ms Crawley criticised the UK Government for ignoring a public health approach to drug issues, pointing out that Scotland is facing a public health emergency with stark numbers of drug-related deaths. She urged the Minister to consider allowing the Scottish Government to implement supervised drug consumption facilities or devolve power for such measures.

Mr Hanvey highlighted the deep trauma faced by those who misuse drugs and emphasised that current policies criminalise rather than support these individuals. He called for a public health approach, noting that the 1971 Misuse of Drugs Act has locked some of the most vulnerable in cycles of hopelessness. Mr Hanvey suggested that devolving control over drug policy to Scotland could help save lives.

Committed to the debate on drugs reform, Stuart McDonald praised other Members for securing it. He regretted that health spokespersons were not leading today’s discussion but argued this was critical given the failure of current legislation in tackling drug misuse. Highlighting the need for an evidence-based approach, he called for the Health and Social Care Department to take a lead role over the Home Office. Additionally, Stuart McDonald recommended piloting overdose prevention facilities or drug consumption rooms, as well as consulting on decriminalisation of possession based on international best practice.

The speaker acknowledges the Manchester bombing inquiry and sends thoughts to those affected. He praises the Members who secured the debate and highlights the significant impact of drug abuse on individuals, families, communities, and society. The total number of drug-related deaths in England and Wales reached nearly 4,500 in 2019, marking a 52% increase over the last decade. The cost to society from illegal drugs is estimated at £20 billion. McGinn criticises the Government's current strategy for failing to reduce harm or provide adequate education on drug dangers and supports increased police funding, effective prevention measures, proper resourced education programmes, affordable housing, enforcement policies, disruption of crime factors, and support services.

The Minister emphasises a balanced approach to drug misuse, focusing on enforcement against harmful activities while providing support for recovery. He discusses the ADDER projects and new investment in drug treatment services, and addresses concerns about legalisation of cannabis and decriminalisation based on international experiences.

Thanked the Minister for his response and expressed hope for further consideration of drug policy. He welcomed contributions from fellow Members but criticised the lack of health representatives in the debate. Emphasised the need to review the Carol Black report and reconsider legislative changes, arguing that thorough examination of evidence is crucial for reducing harm to communities.