SNP formally backs decriminalisation of drugs
The SNP has repeatedly called for drugs control to be devolved to Holyrood
Sunday, October 13, 2019
The SNP has backed decriminalising the possession and consumption of drugs. At its conference in Aberdeen, a resolution was unanimously passed by delegates branding current drug control legislation "not fit for purpose". And they called for powers to be devolved to Holyrood to enable the "decriminalisation of possession and consumption of controlled drugs". The Scottish government has set up a taskforce to tackle drug deaths, which hit a record high in 2018. There were 1,187 drug-related deaths in Scotland in 2018, by far the highest death rate in the European Union and three times that of the UK as a whole. Existing drugs legislation - covered by the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 - is reserved to Westminster. (See also: SNP conference votes to decriminalise possession and consumption of drugs)
