'Radical rethink' needed after scale of drug deaths crisis revealed, says MSP

A VETERAN Highland MSP is calling for a change of political direction to end the stigma of drug use and to save lives.

David Stewart, MSP for the Highlands and Islands, said a new report highlights the need for urgent action.

Data published last week shows another 39 drug related deaths occurred last year in the Highlands and Islands, following 67 deaths in 2018.

Scotland continues to have the highest drug-related death rate in Europe and a rate almost three–and–half times the UK rate as a whole.

Mr Stewart MSP, who is also Scottish Labour's shadow public health spokesman, said: “Every drug-related death is an avoidable tragedy and the Highlands and Islands aren’t immune from this issue.

"The scale of the crisis means a radical rethink is required with a joint effort from all political leaders to tackle this human rights emergency.

“People who misuse drugs and their families need urgent action. Safe consumption facilities and increased rapid access to residential rehabilitation are vital and could happen today."
He continued: “All political parties must put their heads together and work towards saving lives to help Scotland’s recovery community thrive.”

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