Context
The MP is concerned about the exploitation of individuals into criminal activities such as drug gangs and acquisitive crimes. She believes a harm reduction approach could provide these individuals with support instead of criminalising them.
Question
What recent discussions have been had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential merits of introducing a substance misuse harm reduction model to tackle acquisitive crime? A large number of people are being exploited into criminal activity, whether through drug gangs or acquisitive crime. They need help and support from the state. Will the Minister look at how to put a harm reduction model in place for those individuals rather than criminalising them so they can get the support they need to change their lives?
Answer from Chris Philp
We have not had any specific discussions on that, but we have a 10-year drug strategy which includes spending an extra £582 million over three years on 55,000 extra treatment places. We want to treat people who are addicted, particularly to opioids, to get them off drugs and fully recovered. There is also a twin-track approach including enforcement against drug gangs and organised criminal gangs at the border and in cases of county lines.
Not addressed: The specific harm reduction model was not addressed directly
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