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MP’s urge government to abandon ‘just say no’ policy

In light of the UK recording almost 33% of European drug-related deaths, Labour MP’s are asking the government to stop its ‘just say no’ drug policy and replace it with an approach based on evidence to reduce the harm caused by drug abuse.

The Labour Campaign for Drug Policy Reform launched this week. The campaign’s purpose is to give Labour members a forum to deliberate the UK’s current drug policy while the Labour Party is reviewing its approach to the problem.

The Labour group’s aim is to take control of the agenda and make a case for reforming what the group calls the country’s outdated drug laws, which they believe are unsuccessful in preventing people from using and abusing drugs while at the same time are helping drug gangs finance their activities.

Jeff Smith, the Labour MP who is the co-chairperson of the parliamentary group for drug policy reform, has issued a condemnation of the government’s policy, which in his opinion, benefits those involved in organised crime.

“This government’s approach is lining the pockets of organised criminals while forcing taxpayers to live with the costs associated with drug abuse and preventing vulnerable users from getting the support they need,” he said, adding that the UK’s drug policy is not protecting the interests of the people that Labour strives to represent.

Drug policy in the UK is currently in flux. The government recently announced that it was reviewing the scheduling of marijuana and confirmed that it wouldn’t “stand in the way” of festivals testing the quality of drugs after two gig attendees died of drug overdoses at May’s Mutiny Festival.

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