Labour Campaign for Drug Policy Reform
Labour Campaign for Drug Policy Reform

Grahame Morris MP is co-sponsoring a Bill presented by SNP MP Tommy Sheppard, on Problem Drug Use.

The 10-Minute Rule Motion will be heard tomorrow, Tuesday 29th September, after oral questions to the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

The aim of the motion is to legislate for the recommendations in the Scottish Affairs Select Committee’s Report. Most notably, it calls for the government to declare problem drug use a public health emergency, and review the effects on drug users of pausing or reducing benefits payments. It also calls for the decriminalisation of the possession of small quantities of drugs for personal use, the provision of safe drug consumption, and proposes that the Department for Health be made the lead department for drugs policy.

Grahame Morris MP has long campaigned for drug policy reform. He said:

“The war on drugs has failed to protect the public or help people with addiction issues. We should treat people with addiction issues with care and compassion, recognising that the criminal justice system is not an adequate replacement for a common-sense public health approach to drug use.

People with addiction issues are turning to crime to feed their habit, rather than seeking help from GPs and the NHS. I have campaign for a public health approach to drug addiction as I want to move towards a practical system that works. A system that supports people with addiction, and breaks the control of organised crime over addicts and the community.

I am proud to support the Labour Campaign for Drug Policy Reform and continue to campaign for a evidence based drugs policy.”

In full, the motion proposes:

‘That leave be given to bring in a Bill to require the Secretary of State to declare problem drug use a public health emergency; to require the Secretary of State to review the effects of welfare sanctions on people who use drugs; to make the Department for Health and Social Care the lead department for drugs policy; to require the Secretary of State to respond publicly to recommendations of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs; to amend the classification of drugs in the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971; to make provision for safe drug consumption facilities; to decriminalise the possession of small quantities of drugs for personal use; to make provision about the stigmatisation of problem drug use; to amend the Equality Act 2010 to recognise drug dependence as a health condition; and for connected purposes.’

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