The response to my proposed Drug Death Prevention (Scotland) Bill was overwhelming. There were almost 300 responses, 94% of which were supportive of the proposals.

 

The many insights contained in those responses will be vital when it comes to drafting the proposed legislation; legislation that will help save lives and will play an important role in solving Scotland’s drug death crisis.

 

We recently had a breakthrough in the long running campaign to establish an Overdose Prevention Centre pilot in Glasgow. Following years of delay, the Lord Advocate has given the green light to an official pilot; a development that would not have been possible without the tireless campaigning of stalwarts like Peter Krykant who risked his livelihood and liberty back in 2020 when he set up an unofficial pilot.

 

This proposed Bill seeks to build on that progress, and I am confident that the pressure it has kept on the government has been a major contributing factor to the developments we have seen recently. I am immensely grateful for the support given to this proposal and remain committed to ensuring that Overdose Prevention Centres play a pivotal role in combatting Scotland’s drug death crisis.

 

Finally, to all of those who have stepped up to the plate and lead the charge when the government was in hiding, thank you. Your work will save lives and I will forever admire your courage and conviction in the face of hardship and adversity.

 

To view the responses to the consultation, and to see the overwhelming support for the proposal, please click on the link below.

 

In solidarity,

 

Paul