Extract from Scottish Parliament debate on Public Health Crisis (Drugs and Alcohol) - Nov 28

Neil Findlay (Lothian) (Lab):...We must learn from other countries. We must learn from the Portuguese model of decriminalisation and harm reduction, from the Canadian experience with cannabis and from the diversionary alternatives that are being brought in now by progressive Labour Police and Crime Commissioners, with the powers that they have, in England. They are establishing schemes to divert people away from prison and addiction.

Miles Briggs (Lothian) (Con): Will the member take an intervention?

Neil Findlay: I will not, at the moment.

Police and Crime Commissioners are offering a scheme in which offenders sign a contract, undergo mental health treatment and sort out their lifestyle. They are joining up police, community and public health funding streams to improve outcomes for people who suffer from addiction. They are allowing addicts who have not responded to other forms of treatment to be prescribed heroin in a medical setting. They are training people in the application of naloxone.

The Deputy Presiding Officer: Can you come to a close, please?

Neil Findlay: The Police and Crime Commissioners are establishing early warning programmes to alert people about new drugs on the streets and about a range of other issues. Timidity and political cowardice will not work, neither will cutting drug and alcohol treatment budgets...

To read the whole debate, CLICK HERE