Lib Dems respond to “common-sense” Home Affairs committee drug report

Responding to the embargoed Home Affairs committee report into drugs policy, Liberal Democrat Scottish Affairs spokesperson Christine Jardine MP said:

"No one can seriously look at UK drug laws and the spike in drugs deaths that we have seen in recent years and conclude that the present system is serving anybody well.

"Much of what is in this report has been Liberal Democrat policy for years. From trialling safe consumption to on-site drug checking services at festivals, these are common-sense, evidence-based proposals which can help us to get a handle on the harms drug misuse can pose, while ensuring that resources are freed up to tackle criminal gangs who profit from the trade in illegal drugs.

"What's more, this report is clear that the Scottish and UK governments must work in tandem to solve these issues. For too long SNP and Conservative governments have preferred the politics of blame to taking action to drive down drugs deaths.

"This report must act as a catalyst for a new and more humane approach to drugs policy in the UK."