A Westminster Hall debate on the prevention of drug deaths has highlighted the alarming rise in drug-related fatalities across the United Kingdom, with MPs from all parties calling for an urgent shift to treating addiction as a public health approach in UK rather than a criminal matter.

The debate, secured by Jim Shannon MP (Strangford), revealed that drug deaths have increased by 85% in England and Wales, 122% in Scotland, and 42% in Northern Ireland over the last decade, with 5,448 deaths registered in England and Wales in 2023 – the highest number since records began.

“Each one of those deaths represents a profound tragedy,” said Shannon, emphasizing that “every 90 minutes in the UK, someone dies a drug-related death,” meaning that “during this debate, at least one life will be lost.”

Public Health Approach in UK Needed to Address Drug Crisis

Public Health Minister Ashley Dalton acknowledged the public health crisis in UK, stating, “Drug misuse deaths have doubled since 2012. More than 3,300 people died in England alone in 2023, the highest rate since records began in 1993.”

The debate revealed a strong cross-party consensus on addressing stigma surrounding addiction and focusing on evidence-based harm reduction approaches. Grahame Morris MP (Easington), chair of the drugs, alcohol and justice all-party parliamentary group, emphasized that “punitive drug policies do not work” and called for investment in harm reduction, reduced stigma, and protected funding for treatment.

Charlotte Nichols MP (Warrington North) cited the success of diamorphine-assisted therapy in Middlesbrough, which demonstrated “a 97% attendance rate, an 80% reduction in street heroin use, and a drastic drop in criminal activity,” saving an estimated £2.1 million across health and criminal justice sectors.

Deprivation and Inequality Driving Public Health Crisis

Several MPs discussed the link between deprivation and drug deaths, with MP Siân Berry (Brighton Pavilion) noting that “when stigma shapes policy, we see punitive laws, fragmented services and inevitably soaring mortality rates.”

The Minister revealed that the government has invested an additional £267 million in 2024-25 to improve drug and alcohol treatment services, with around 340,000 people currently in structured treatment in England, “the highest number on record.”

Strengthening Public Health Approach in UK Against Synthetic Opioids

The debate also addressed emerging threats, particularly from synthetic opioids such as nitazenes and fentanyl, which are often more potent and deadly. The UK implemented legislation in December 2024 to widen access to naloxone, which reverses opioid overdoses, marking a positive step in addressing the public health crisis.

Patricia Ferguson MP (Glasgow West) discussed the pilot of the UK’s first official safer drug consumption facility in Glasgow, known as The Thistle, which has seen “over 140 unique service users, more than 1,000 visits, more than 700 injecting episodes managed on site, and the prevention of some 700 to 800 items of drug-related litter in public spaces.”

Dalton concluded by confirming the government’s commitment to a mission-led approach focused on harm reduction and strong public health measures, stating, “These deaths are avoidable, and I am confident that the Government’s mission-led approach will put us in a stronger position to tackle this complex issue.”

Source: dbrecoveryresources