Lib Dems call for fresh action to tackle drug deaths

The Scottish Liberal Democrats have urged ministers to commit to “fresh measures” to tackle the drug deaths crisis.

A statement is expected on the issue on Thursday after figures in August showed an increase of 121 deaths between 2022 and 2023 – with the most recent number sitting at 1,172.

On Tuesday, statistics released by the Scottish Government showed almost 600 suspected drug deaths were logged by Police Scotland in the first six months of this year.

Speaking ahead of the statement, Scottish Lib Dem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said: “The rise in drug deaths is devastating and deserves proper parliamentary scrutiny.

“Over the last decade, drug deaths in Scotland have more than doubled. We face a crisis that remains the worst in Europe.

“The Scottish Government need to explain why earlier this year they saw fit to freeze the funding for drug and alcohol policy – a real-terms cut to the budget for critical services.

“I worry that those services could suffer further cuts which would seriously undermine their ability to support all those who need it.”

The Edinburgh Western MSP urged the Scottish Government to roll out a nationwide network of drug testing and safe consumption facilities – similar to that due to open soon in Glasgow.

“Ministers must commit to fresh measures to stop people dying,” he said.

“This includes rolling out a full nationwide network of drug testing and safer consumption facilities that are proven to keep people safe, prevent fatal overdoses and present new pathways for treatment and recovery.

“My party also wants to see a stronger frontline response to synthetic opioids – including nitazenes, which are 50 times more powerful than heroin – through enhanced information, detection and treatment.”

Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “My condolences go to all those affected by the loss of a loved one through drugs.

“We will continue to do all we can to reduce harm and deaths.

“Through our national mission on drugs we are taking a wide range of evidence-based measures.

“These include widening access to treatment and support through the implementation of our medication assisted treatment standards, increasing the availability of residential rehabilitation, supporting the opening of a safer drug consumption facility pilot, and widening access to life-saving naloxone.

“We’re also working hard to respond to the growing threat from highly dangerous, super-strong synthetic opioids like nitazenes which increase the risk of overdose, hospitalisation and death, and are being found in a range of substances.

“The Home Office is currently considering licence applications for three drug-checking pilots which would enable us to respond faster to emerging drug trends, including the presence of synthetic opioids in an increasingly toxic and unpredictable drug supply.”