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Glasgow Safer Drug Consumption Facility
08 January 2026
Lead MP
Patricia Ferguson
Glasgow West
Lab
Responding Minister
Sarah Jones
Tags
Crime & Law EnforcementScotland
Word Count: 8136
Other Contributors: 6
At a Glance
Patricia Ferguson raised concerns about glasgow safer drug consumption facility in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The lead MP asks the Minister to reconsider the Government’s opposition to amending the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 if the evaluation of Thistle shows it to be effective in saving lives and reducing harm. She also seeks clarification on how legal decisions regarding drug consumption facilities can be reserved without leading to a UK-wide change.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Scotland faces the highest rate of drug-related deaths in Europe with 1,017 deaths recorded in 2024. Glasgow, where a safer drug consumption facility named Thistle is located, had 522 unique visitors and over 6,000 injecting episodes in its first 10 months. There were 78 medical emergencies at the Thistle but no fatalities. The cost of £2.3 million per year for the three-year pilot has been committed by the Scottish Government.
Dave Doogan
SNP
Angus and Perthshire Glens
Discussed the high number of drug-related deaths in Scotland, noting that while there was a decrease from 2024 to 2025, it remains unacceptably high. Criticised the UK Government's refusal to amend drugs law and their lack of support for expanding safer consumption facilities. Contributed to the report, highlighting the importance of mobile facilities observed in Lisbon.
John Grady
Lab
Glasgow East
Discussed the moral obligation to support individuals and communities affected by addiction, highlighting issues in Glasgow with the highest overdose rate. Emphasised the need for wraparound support including housing, transport, education, and employment. Stressed the need for community involvement and regular feedback on measures addressing drug use concerns.
Matt Vickers
Con
Stockton West
Highlights the high rate of drug deaths in Scotland and criticizes the SNP Scottish Government for their failure to address the issue adequately. Acknowledged the complexity of the issue and referenced the successful operation of safer drug consumption facilities in Glasgow without any overdose deaths.
Forster
Lab
Emphasises the need to tackle homelessness alongside drug use, suggesting a comprehensive approach is necessary. Emphasised the necessity of a comprehensive approach based on evidence.
Will Forster
LD
Woking
Highlighted drug-related deaths in his constituency and compared it to Glasgow's higher rates, stressing the need for a different approach to meet the scale of the problem.
Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley
Ferguson highlights that drug consumption rooms were considered in Glasgow due to a significant HIV outbreak in 2015 linked to needle sharing and drug injection. She argues for a whole-society approach beyond criminality, focusing on preventing blood-borne viruses. Encourages the Government to follow evidence from evaluations of drug consumption rooms in other countries.
Government Response
Sarah Jones
The Minister for Policing and Crime
Government Response
Jones acknowledges the deep concern about drugs' impact on individuals, communities, and society. She thanks colleagues for their contributions and reflects on the Scottish Affairs Committee's work. She mentions meeting families affected by drug loss and the ongoing efforts to address drug harm. Announces investments of £3.4 billion over three years, highlights successes of county lines programme with 8,000 arrests and closure of 3,000 lines, emphasizes ongoing collaboration with devolved administrations to address drug misuse.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.