A Glasgow MP is bidding to change the law on drugs by forcing a review of criminal offences under the 1971 Misuse of Drugs Act.

Anne McLaughlin, Glasgow North East SNP MP, has tabled the amendment to change the approach towards problem drug use from being criminal based to public health focused.

The SNP wants to amend the Police Bill, going through Westminster, so that it would require a review of the drugs law.

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McLaughlin said the 50 year-old law has clearly failed and the war on drugs has been a failure.

Glasgow Times:

Scotland reported another record high total of drug deaths for 2019 when figures were released last year with 1264 deaths.

The figures for 2020 are due later this month and are expected to show another rise.

McLaughlin said: “The UK government needs a step change in its failed and counterproductive approach to drug use. Instead of criminalising large swathes of the population, we need a public health approach that supports those with addictions and prevents unnecessary deaths.

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“Tory ministers must ditch the dogma and put public health first. The Westminster war on drugs has been an abject failure. Instead of solving problems, it has made them worse by stigmatising those who use drugs and creating barriers to tackling substance addiction.

“I hope the UK government will support this SNP amendment, which simply requires a review of criminal offences. We need an open mind to enable safe drug consumption rooms and end the criminalisation of thousands of our fellow citizens, if we are to tackle drug problems effectively.”

The change would involve UK ministers carrying out a review of what constitutes a criminal offence under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

McLaughlin added: "If the UK government won't even consider reforming the law - it must devolve the powers to the Scottish Parliament, so Scotland can take a public health approach. Without reform of the law, efforts to tackle the drugs crisis in Scotland will always be impeded.”