Committee to quiz Scottish and UK Government’s on Glasgow’s Safer Drug Consumption Facility

The Scottish Affairs Committee will question the Minister for Policing and Crime, Dame Diana Johnson, and Scotland's Health Secretary, Neil Gray, in the final session of the committee's inquiry into Glasgow's Safer Drug Consumption Facility (SDCF). 

In the first panel, the cross-party committee will question Neil Gray, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care for the Scottish Government. MPs may ask about the role the Scottish Government played in the opening of the facility, also known as the Thistle, the legal risks it faces and potential exemptions which could be needed if the service were to expand. Members could also discuss whether more facilities are needed across Scotland and the future of its funding.  

In the second panel, Members will quiz Dame Diana Johnson, the UK Government's Crime, Policing and Fire Minister. Questions could explore the UK Government's position on the pilot SDCF, what role the UK Government could have in its operation and the potential for more facilities. 

Wednesday 4 June, 9.30am – Committee Room 6, Palace of Westminster

Witnesses at 9.30am:  

• Neil Gray MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Scottish Government  [virtual]
• Michael Crook, Harm Reduction Team Leader, Drugs Policy Division, Scottish Government [virtual]

Witnesses at 10.30am:  

• Dame Diana Johnson DBE MP, Minister of State for Crime, Policing and Fire, UK Government 
• Marcus Starling, Deputy Director for Drugs and Alcohol, Public Safety Group, Home Office

Glasgow's Safer Drug Consumption Facility 

Watch live on parliamentlive.tv