The SNP has taken a significant step in tackling Scotland’s horrendous drug-death toll.
By adopting a policy , the party is sending a strong message.
The Record has been campaigning for a radical change to drug laws. It is clear the current system is not working – 1187 people lost their lives to Scotland’s drug crisis last year.
It is heartening to see the SNP echoing our call for decriminalisation.
The Tory Government should listen to what was said in Aberdeen. MPs like Tommy Sheppard and Alison Thewliss made powerful arguments, which were backed unanimously by SNP delegates.
The party of government in Scotland wants to take control of drug laws, then move to decriminalising possession and use.
Sheppard struck a key note with supporters in the conference hall by bringing the marginalised people who are being reduced to death statistics in annual reports back to the centre of how we approach the problem.
They are dying alone, on the edge of society, stigmatised and forgotten.
The “war on drugs” has not worked.
The SNP’s new approach should be welcomed. It’s time to stop criminalising and start addressing a major health emergency.
Hunger shames
Poverty has pushed food bank use
In a country as wealthy as Scotland, that trend is a national scandal.
Trussell Trust figures put the number of emergency food parcels at more than 210,600. If independent providers were added, the total would surely be even more damning.
The causes are clear – years of austerity inflicted real damage on communities across the country.
The bungled introduction of Universal Credit has pushed people into debt and rent arrears.
The impact is felt in the poorest parts of Scotland.
It will take humility from the UK Government, investment and effort to turn this shameful situation around.
The Tory Government should be ashamed to preside over a country where families – and children – cannot afford to eat.
