BORIS Johnson has rejected pleas to allow drug consumption rooms in Scotland, vowing instead to take a hardline approach to criminal gangs.
Health experts, campaigners and the Scottish Government say the facilities could save lives as the nation aims to tackle its drug crisis.
Holyrood ministers say Westminster’s Misuse of Drug Act has prevented them from setting up the safe-use centres, though the SNP drugs minister is reportedly consulting with experts on how to legally establish consumption rooms.
The Prime Minister was asked to clarify his position following the announcement that drug-related deaths in Scotland have reached an all-time high.
In total there were 1339 fatalities in 2020, which is the highest rate recorded in Europe and more than three-and-a-half times the rate of deaths in England and Wales, which have also recorded the worst toll since records began.
Johnson told BBC Scotland: “The number of deaths from drugs is utterly tragic, and we have to deal with it. I am more than willing to work with the government of Scotland and authorities at every level.”
He added: "I am not in favour, instinctively, of encouraging people to take more drugs. What I am in favour of is helping problem addicts off drugs, helping people off their dependence, but I am also in favour of a tough approach."
The Tory leader urged the Scottish Government to sign up to Project Adder – standing for Addiction, Diversion, Disruption, Enforcement and Recovery – which combines policing with treatment and recovery services.
READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon vows to take action on drug deaths as crisis deepens
He said this was helping to put "a ring of steel" around drug gangs, which he said were "engaging in unbelievable evil".
SNP MP Pete Wishart replied: "Just heard Johnson on the BBC say that drug consumption rooms ‘encourage’ drug use. With him in charge of Scotland’s drug laws we are supposed to deal with our manifest drug deaths issues…"
Angela Constance, who was appointed this year as Scotland’s drug minister, has held talks about legislation which would allow the Government to set up consumption rooms, the Daily Record has reported.
The SNP minister held a “constructive meeting” with Labour MSP Paul Sweeney, who has been working on a bill which would pave the way for the safe-use centres.
Speaking in the Scottish Parliament this week, Constance signalled she would be prepared to bypass Westminster legislation.
Asked about safe consumption rooms, she told MSPs: “We are committed to implementing those irrespective of the constitutional opportunities or the constitutional constraints that we face.”
The drugs minister added: “There is very detailed work going is on in government right now.”
Glasgow City Council tried to set up one of the facilities in 2018, but was told at the last minute by the Home Office that there was “no legal framework” to allow such centres to open.
SNP councillor Mhairi Hunter said the local authority was on standby to set up consumption rooms – as long as it has guarantees no staff would not be prosecuted.
She told the Record: “Glasgow’s Integration Joint Board has already approved plans in principle and allocated funding. Officers have continued to work on plans, despite the refusal of UK ministers to support them, including developing draft Standard Operating Procedures.
“We are ready to go as soon as we get the green light.
“Glasgow is very well prepared to deliver a safe consumption/overdose prevention space as a central part of a continuum of services for drug users.”
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