Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Misuse of Drugs Act 1971

Wednesday 23 June 2021 · 2 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The United Kingdom Government are keen to work with the Scottish Government to tackle drug-related deaths, including through a UK-wide summit.
  • The Scottish Government has declined to participate in Project ADDER despite invitations from the Minister for Crime and Policing.
  • There are no plans to introduce drug consumption rooms in the UK.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Angela Crawley SNP
Justice & Courts Scotland
Context

Drug deaths in Scotland are the highest in Europe and about four times higher than those in England and Wales. The Scottish Government is responsible for most levers to tackle drug misuse, but they have reportedly taken their eye off the ball.

Question

What discussions has he had with the devolved Administrations on the effectiveness of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971?

Answer from Alister Jack

The United Kingdom Government are keen to work with the Scottish Government to tackle drug-related deaths, including through a UK-wide summit. However, the Scottish Government has declined to participate in Project ADDER despite invitations from the Minister for Crime and Policing.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific plans or agreements to reform the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 were not addressed.

How: Changing Subject

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Q2 Angela Crawley SNP
Context

The Scottish Government intends to open an overdose prevention centre in Glasgow, but their plans are hindered by outdated drug legislation. Saturday is “Support. Don't Punish” day of action.

Question

Ahead of 'Support. Don't Punish' day of action, will the Minister speak with his Cabinet colleagues about reforming the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and supporting a four nations summit on drug-related issues?

Answer from Alister Jack

There are no plans to introduce drug consumption rooms. The evidence does not currently support their use, but needle and syringe programmes and naloxone availability are supported by the government.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to discuss Act reform or hold a four-nations summit was avoided.

How: Changing Subject

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