Swinney backs decriminalisation of drugs after spike in deaths

First Minister John Swinney has reiterated his administration’s backing for the decriminalisation of all drugs intended for personal use amid a troubling rise in drug-related deaths in Scotland. The nation continues to hold the unfortunate title of Europe’s drugs deaths capital, with 1,133 fatalities recorded last year—a distressing increase of 116, or 11%, from the previous year. Swinney labelled this surge “unacceptable and intolerable,” though opposition parties sharply criticised the government’s handling of the crisis, describing their record as “indefensible.” It remains the case that any move toward decriminalisation requires consent from the UK government, which holds authority over drug policy.

During First Minister’s Questions, Swinney extended his “deepest sympathies” to families affected by drug deaths, attributing the increase to factors such as “intergenerational poverty and trauma” alongside a rise in the consumption of “grossly harmful synthetics.” Following this, he told BBC Scotland News that the Scottish government supports measures to remove criminal penalties for possession of drugs for personal use, viewing decriminalisation as part of a broader strategy to exert “more control and ability to provide greater support to those affected by drugs use.” This stance follows the announcement in 2023 from the Scottish government under Humza Yousaf’s leadership, although the UK government subsequently rejected the proposal, calling it dangerous. The Scottish National Party (SNP) included the policy in its 2024 manifesto, pointing to Portugal’s 2001 drug law reforms as a potential example.

Swinney acknowledged the limits of what Scotland can currently achieve without the UK government’s approval, but noted ongoing efforts such as the establishment of the UK’s first safer consumption facility in Glasgow. This facility allows individuals to inject heroin or cocaine under medical supervision, aiming to reduce harm. Additionally, ministers have announced plans to open Scotland’s first drug-checking centre in Glasgow shortly. Over the past decade, Scotland has seen more than 11,000 drug-related deaths, a crisis worsened by dealers mixing potent synthetic opioids with heroin, cocaine, and other substances. According to the National Records of Scotland (NRS), last year’s rise in fatalities was primarily driven by males, with deaths in the most deprived areas occurring at a rate 15 times higher than in the least deprived.

Criticism of the government’s approach has come from opposition leaders across the political spectrum. New Scottish Labour leader Michael Marra labelled the government’s record on drugs “indefensible” but expressed willingness to collaborate on solutions. Marra indicated that if drug addiction were more prevalent in middle-class communities, there would be a far stronger and more urgent legislative response. Swinney agreed on the need for cross-party cooperation and stressed tackling underlying issues such as child poverty to break the cycle that perpetuates this crisis. Meanwhile, Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay called for the closure of the safer consumption facility, arguing that deaths in Glasgow have increased since it opened. Swinney rebutted this claim, insisting that the facility has saved lives. Other opposition voices, including Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton and Reform UK Scotland’s Malcom Offord, voiced their own criticisms, with Offord stating that the SNP’s “national mission on drugs has collapsed.” Reform UK went as far as submitting a motion of no confidence in Alcohol and Drugs Minister Maree Todd, claiming bereaved families demand accountability. The UK government has yet to respond to these developments

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