Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Drugs Policy: Scotland

Monday 18 September 2023 · 3 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister has not had specific discussions on devolving drugs policy to Scotland but regularly meets with Scottish Government colleagues.
  • UK Government respects Lord Advocate's authority in Scotland and will not interfere if they act lawfully regarding drug consumption rooms.
  • Minister accepts invitation to visit Glasgow in early December to learn about Scotland's enhanced drug treatment services.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Patrick Grady SNP
Scotland
Context

The question arises from discussions about devolving drug policies to Scotland, which are currently reserved to the UK Parliament.

Question

Whether she has had discussions with Cabinet colleagues and the Scottish Government on further devolution of drugs policy to Scotland. I am concerned about the lack of progress in this area despite ongoing discussions between different governments.

Answer from Chris Philp

I have not had specific discussions on the devolution of drugs policy, but I do regularly discuss co-operation with colleagues in the Scottish Government. We met recently and plan to meet again soon to further these discussions.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Has not addressed whether there are concrete plans for devolving drug policies

How: Regular Discussions About Co-Operating, Plans To Discuss In Cardiff

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Q2 Patrick Grady SNP
Scotland
Context

The Lord Advocate in Scotland has stated that they will not prosecute individuals for possession of controlled substances in pilot safe consumption or overdose prevention facilities.

Question

Can he confirm what the Secretary of State for Scotland indicated last week, that the UK Government will not seek to use administrative or legislative means to block the establishment of such a pilot facility? The questioner is seeking confirmation of the UK Government's position on this matter.

Answer from Chris Philp

We do not support drug consumption rooms in England and Wales due to concerns over illegal drug use, but we respect the Lord Advocate's authority in Scotland. We will not interfere if they act lawfully.

Answered
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Q3 Alison Thewliss SNP
NHS
Context

The Home Affairs Committee's report highlighted successful drug treatment practices such as naloxone roll-out and medication assisted treatment standards.

Question

Will the Minister visit Glasgow to hear more about what Scotland is doing to reduce harm and save lives through enhanced drug treatment services? The questioner references successful models from Scotland's heroin-assisted treatment service.

Answer from Chris Philp

I am due in Edinburgh in early December, and I would be delighted to accept her invitation to visit the facility in Glasgow.

Answered
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