In July following record fatalities, the Evening Times called for an emergency drugs deaths summit in Glasgow.

Since then, using official figures, it is likely 100 people have died.

We used the term emergency, because that is what it is. That is what it has been for a long time.

We also used it because we wanted it to happen as soon as possible.

For too long we politicians have pointed the finger of blame at each other.

We want them to declare what they can do and what they will do, not what they can’t do or why it is someone else’s fault.

The Scottish Government committed to a summit within days of our request. The City Council also agreed to take part.

At the time, The UK Government said it was considering the request then later said it would not be participating.

It would be pointless unless every level of government took part and reached an agreement.

Thankfully, Kit Malthouse the UK Crime and Policing Minister said last month they would be willing to hold a summit in Glasgow, recognising the scale of the problem in the city. He said it should be before Christmas.

Now however, the Home Office has said that it will be for whoever is in government after the election to take a decision.

We need to be clear. There is much more that every level of government can do. The council can be providing better rehabilitation and support services, the Health Board can have better prescribing policies.

The Scottish Government can ensure there is enough resources available to allow them to do so.

And the UK government, as well as funding, can look at the benefits of possible part decriminalisation and of drug consumption rooms.

Last week a number of people met in Possilpark, a community devastated by drugs for decades.

The people in that room know how much of an emergency this is.

They are experts. They may not have degrees or written doctoral theses on the subject. But they have lived through it, survived and are trying to help others do the same.

Some told how it was residential rehab many years ago that saved their lives.

Many were formerly addicted to drugs and could have been part of the death statistics in a previous year.

All of them had known someone who died from drugs. In many cases they had known several people, including close family members.

Many are now helping others get off drugs and into recovery. They know how hard it is and what is needed for a greater chance of success.

Their voices deserve to be heard. They must be listened to.

This summit needs to take place, as soon as possible. As well as the professional paid experts the people from Faces and Voices of Recovery. should have a place round the table.

They will speak some very uncomfortable truths to decision makers.

Truths that need to be heard but truths that can help those with no direct experience understand what works and what doesn’t.

It is time for action.