DRUGS: FINNIE WELCOMES MACASKILL COMMENTS
John Finnie MSP, Justice spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, today welcomed comments by former
Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill that the so-called war on drugs has been a failure and that drugs
should be treated as a public health problem rather than a law and order one.
Mr Finnie said:
“Kenny MacAskill’s comments are a welcome addition to the wide-ranging debate on drugs we need to
have. Our drug laws are dated and, in most instances, simply serve to criminalise, and thereby affect
the life chances of countless otherwise law-abiding folk.
“His comments about the so-called war on drugs being lost echo what many have been saying for some
time. Imagine if the countless billions poured into failed law enforcement had instead been directed
to education and the provision of the full range of harm reduction treatments. Evidence from
elsewhere shows that changed approach would see drug-related deaths drop significantly.
“Most of all we need an informed debate, not one based on ignorance and prejudice, rather one which
treats drugs for what they are: education and health matters.”
Former Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill calls for drug use to be decriminalised (Herald)