Drugs

Home Affairs Committee Closed Inquiry
Opened: 10 Feb 2022 Closed: 1 Feb 2024 Parliament page
The focus of the inquiry is on illegal drug use and its effects on society and the economy. The inquiry considers the UK’s legislative framework on drugs and UK drug policy. The framework refers to, for example: the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971; the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016; and, where … Read more
38 Recommendations
33 Conclusions
1 Report
6 Oral sessions
4 Letters
6 Events
Activity timeline 18 events
14 Nov
2023
Report published
31 Aug
2023
Report published
22 Feb
2023
Oral evidence
22 Feb
2023
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · The Grimond Room, Portcullis House
23 Nov
2022
Correspondence
2 Nov
2022
Correspondence
27 Oct
2022
Correspondence
27 Oct
2022
Correspondence
29 Jun
2022
Oral evidence
29 Jun
2022
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 16, Palace of Westminster
15 Jun
2022
Oral evidence
15 Jun
2022
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · The Grimond Room, Portcullis House
Oral evidence sessions 6 sessions
22 Feb 2023
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Angela Constance · Scottish Government Caroline Hart · Home Office Marcus Starling · Home Office Rt Hon Chris Philp MP · Home Office
29 Jun 2022
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Charlie Doyle · British Transport Police Dr Jack Spicer · University of the West of England Dr Richard Lewis · National Police Chiefs’ Council and Chief Constable of Dyfed-Powys Police Junior Smart OBE · St Giles Trust Nicky Hill · Abianda Steve Rodhouse · National Crime Agency
15 Jun 2022
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Andy Dunbobbin · Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales David Sidwick David Thorne · South Wales Police John Campbell QPM · Thames Valley Police Serena Kennedy · Merseyside Police Zoe Metcalfe
25 May 2022
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Councillor Joanne Harding · Local Government Association Maggie Boreham · Hackney Council Professor Dame Carol Black · Combating Drugs Professor Jim McManus · Hertfordshire County Council
18 May 2022
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Dr Emily Finch · Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs Dr Owen Bowden-Jones · Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs Professor David Nutt · Imperial College, London Professor Jo Neill · Manchester University Professor Ornella Corazza · Hertfordshire University Professor Roger Knaggs · Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs Professor Stuart Reece · University of Western Australia
27 Apr 2022
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Chloe Hartnell · Hodge Jones and Allen LLP Dr Karenza Moore · Newcastle University Dr Kojo Koram · Birkbeck College, University of London Martin Powell · Transform Drug Policy Foundation Niamh Eastwood · Release Rudi Fortson QC · 25 Bedford Row Chambers
Title HC No. Published Items Response
Third Report - Drugs HC 198 31 Aug 2023 71 Responded
Recommendations & Conclusions
22 results
Clear
1 Conclusion Accepted
Third Report - Drugs
Public health responses to drugs gain increasing support and alignment with conventions.
There is increasing support for public health responses as a tool to respond to drugs, and the adoption of such responses are within the spirit of the Drug Control Conventions.
Government Response
The government states its existing Drug Strategy already delivers a balanced approach combining public health and criminal justice responses, backed by significant funding and existing initiatives like the Joint Combating Drugs Unit and harm reduction programmes.
Home Office
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2 Recommendation Accepted
Third Report - Drugs
Balance criminal justice response to drugs with increased public health initiatives.
We recommend that the Government balances its criminal justice response to drugs with an increased public health response that seeks to prevent and treat drug use and tackle the root causes of drug use through, for example, a broad range … Read more
Government Response
The government claims its current legislative framework and Drug Strategy already provide a balanced public health and criminal justice response, supported by significant investment and existing initiatives to prevent, treat, and reduce drug-related harms.
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8 Conclusion Accepted
Third Report - Drugs
Concerns about increased NPS potency and use among vulnerable populations persist.
We recognise that the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 was enacted to deal with the surge in new psychoactive substances (NPS) and the related health harms. We note that it was successful in removing the open sale of NPS but are … Read more
Government Response
The government describes existing legislation and ongoing measures, including the completion of the £100m Security Investment Programme and the deployment of drug trace detection units and X-ray scanners, to tackle the use of psychoactive substances, particularly in prisons.
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10 Conclusion Accepted
Third Report - Drugs
Provide urgent update on pill press consultation outcome to the Committee.
The Combating Drugs Minister must write to us with an update on the outcome of the consultation before 18 December 2023.
Government Response
The government commits to providing the committee with an update on the consultation outcome on or before 18 December 2023.
Home Office
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11 Conclusion Accepted
Third Report - Drugs
Alarm over synthetic opioid harms and potential shift from heroin dependency.
We are alarmed by the health and social harms of synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl. We are concerned that a reduction in the global supply of heroin will have the effect of people with an opioid dependency turning to even … Read more
Government Response
The government states that UK agencies are highly alert to the synthetic drug threat, detailing existing Drug Strategy elements, £900m investment, additional resources for the NCA and Border Force, and engagement through Combating Drugs Partnerships and international fora to address the issue.
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12 Recommendation Accepted
Third Report - Drugs
Increase monitoring of synthetic drug trafficking and prioritise heroin dependency treatment.
To mitigate this risk, we recommend the Government, in partnership with the devolved administrations, increase its monitoring of synthetic drugs being trafficked in, and around, the UK, and prioritise supporting people with a chronic heroin dependency into treatment and recovery. Read more
Government Response
The government states that UK agencies are highly alert to the threat, detailing existing monitoring efforts through NCA resources, Border Force seizures, and Combating Drugs Partnerships, and refers to a £900m investment that includes drug treatment services.
Home Office
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13 Recommendation Accepted
Third Report - Drugs
Prepare a strategy to mitigate increased supply of synthetic opioids across the UK.
We recommend that the Government must prepare a strategy to mitigate the risk of an increase in the supply and availability of synthetic opioids in the UK before the end of this Parliament.
Government Response
The government states that UK agencies are highly alert to the threat and details existing efforts through the Drug Strategy, significant investment, resources for NCA and international networks, and multi-agency partnerships, implying these measures serve as their strategy to mitigate the risk.
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17 Recommendation Accepted
Third Report - Drugs
Make DHSC and Home Office jointly responsible for drug policy with a cross-departmental minister.
In line with the spirit of the partnership approach in the 10-Year Drugs Strategy, we recommend that the Government make the Department of Health and Social Care and the Home Office jointly responsible for drug policy. We recommend that the … Read more
Government Response
The government states that the Combating Drugs Minister's portfolio already spans six government departments, which goes further than the recommendation for joint responsibility between only the Department of Health and Social Care and the Home Office.
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22 Conclusion Accepted
Third Report - Drugs
10-Year Drugs Strategy lacks detail on effectively tackling drug-related stigma.
The strategy states a commitment to breaking down stigma but provides little detail on how this commitment would be actioned. Stigma is a key issue for people with lived experience of using drugs and for their loved ones. Tackling stigma … Read more
Government Response
The government accepted the conclusion, committing to embed anti-stigma messaging across government communications and policy, develop key messages for stakeholders, provide funding to local areas, and ensure DfE guidance promotes reducing stigma.
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24 Conclusion Accepted
Third Report - Drugs
Specific groups face significant barriers accessing drug treatment and support.
We were concerned to hear about the barriers people, such as women and black, Asian and minority ethnic people, can face when accessing treatment. No-one should be unable, or feel unable, to receive treatment and support. (Paragraph 100) Drugs 75
Government Response
The government accepted the conclusion, committing to remove barriers to treatment for vulnerable groups. It outlined several actions including: empowering CDPs, OHID networks for good practice, guidance for women's services, a £53 million programme for the homeless, and a call for evidence on ethnic minority drug use.
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25 Recommendation Accepted
Third Report - Drugs
Prioritise identifying and addressing local barriers to drug treatment and recovery.
We recommend that Combating Drugs Partnerships prioritise identifying the likely barriers to treatment and recovery for people within their local area and take steps to address these barriers as part of fulfilling their commitments under the 10-Year Drugs Strategy. Read more
Government Response
The government accepted the recommendation, affirming that Combating Drugs Partnerships (CDPs) have a crucial role and are responsible for identifying and addressing local barriers to treatment and recovery as part of the Drug Strategy. OHID also supports national and regional networks for sharing good practice.
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28 Conclusion Accepted
Third Report - Drugs
Drug strategy overlooks family role in recovery; mental health support for families insufficient.
We welcome the strategy’s commitment to supporting families. It focuses on the important role of the family in preventing drug use, particularly in relation to young people. However, it does not recognise the role that families can play in the … Read more
Government Response
The government accepted the conclusion, stating the Drug Strategy acknowledges the role of families and that £533 million in grant funding can be used by local authorities to develop family support services and embed mental health support. OHID has also published guidance and a guide for commissioning such services.
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29 Recommendation Accepted
Third Report - Drugs
Embed specialist practical and mental health support for families of drug users.
We recommend that local authorities use the funding allocated under the 10-Year Drugs Strategy to embed specialist practical and mental health support within drug treatment and support services for the families and the loved ones of people who use, or … Read more
Government Response
The government accepted the recommendation, confirming that the £533 million Substance Misuse Treatment and Recovery Grant allocated to local authorities can be used to develop local services supporting families and carers, including embedding specialist mental health support. OHID also provides guidance for local areas on this.
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32 Conclusion Accepted
Third Report - Drugs
Drug strategy requires further action to prevent exploitation of children by county lines.
We welcome the 10-Year Drug Strategy’s commitment to rolling up county lines but increasing law enforcement efforts is only one part of the solution. We therefore welcome the strategy’s commitment to reducing demand for drugs and to re- building the … Read more
Government Response
The government states it accepts the recommendations and describes existing measures under the Drug Strategy, including investment in early intervention funds and new guidance, to prevent young people from being exploited by county lines.
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33 Conclusion Accepted
Third Report - Drugs
Vital to keep exploited children and young people out of criminal justice system.
To tackle county lines, we believe it is vital that the children and young people exploited (or at risk of exploitation) by criminal gangs are kept out of the criminal justice system.
Government Response
The government states it accepts the recommendations and highlights its Drug Strategy and various programs, including early intervention funds and safeguarding referrals, are already focused on preventing child exploitation and supporting vulnerable youth to keep them out of the criminal justice system.
Home Office
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35 Recommendation Accepted
Third Report - Drugs
Link children and young people's drug treatment services with exploitation services for holistic support.
We recommend that the Government work with local partners to link up drug treatment services for children and young people with exploitation services to ensure that they receive holistic support.
Government Response
The government states it accepts the recommendations and is working with NHS England to ensure better integration between drug and alcohol treatment and children's mental health services, providing holistic support for young people.
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39 Recommendation Accepted
Third Report - Drugs
Provide interim assessment of Project ADDER by January 2024 and updated assessment post-2025 conclusion.
As the Project ADDER pilot is set to continue until 2025, we recommend the Home Office provide us with an interim assessment of the pilot by January 2024. The Home Office must also provide us with an updated assessment of … Read more
Government Response
The government accepts the recommendation and commits to providing an interim assessment of the Project ADDER pilot by January 2024, followed by an updated assessment within three months of its conclusion in 2025.
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46 Recommendation Accepted
Third Report - Drugs
Ensure appropriate psychosocial support and flexible access to opioid substitution treatment for patients.
We recommend that the Government work with local authorities and health partners to ensure that people receive appropriate psychosocial support in addition to their opioid substitution treatment and ensure that they can continue to access opioid substitution treatment at a … Read more
Government Response
The government accepted the recommendation, citing its 10-year Drug Strategy, £533m additional funding for local authorities, and the publication of commissioning quality standards and updated guidance by OHID to ensure appropriate psychosocial support and flexible opioid substitution treatment.
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48 Recommendation Accepted
Third Report - Drugs
Commit to establishing long-acting buprenorphine as first-line treatment for opioid dependence in England.
We recommend that the Government go further than its commitment under the 10- Year Drugs Strategy to explore the rollout of long-acting buprenorphine and commit to establishing it as a first-line treatment option in England for people with an opioid … Read more
Government Response
The government accepted the recommendation, stating its 10-year Drug Strategy and additional funding aim to increase high-quality treatment options, and OHID guidance ensures people can access a range of treatments, including long-acting buprenorphine, at a pace meeting their needs.
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53 Recommendation Accepted
Third Report - Drugs
Change public health guidance for diamorphine provision to allow multi-dose vials.
We recommend that public health guidance on the provision of diamorphine be changed to allow for the use of multi-dose vials instead of single-use ampoules to mitigate the additional cost and supply chain pressures associated with single-use ampoules. Read more
Government Response
The government accepted the recommendation, stating existing guidance already permits multi-dose vials, and NHS England has committed to reviewing this guidance to ensure it remains current.
Home Office
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60 Conclusion Accepted
Third Report - Drugs
Inconsistent police diversion schemes for low-level drug offences create an unfair postcode lottery.
We support the use of diversion schemes for low-level offences. The use of such schemes by police forces in England and Wales is increasing and we welcome the efforts of those forces in rolling out these schemes. However, we are … Read more
Government Response
The government accepted, stating it will roll out pilots to expand the use of Out of Court Disposals for drug possession offences in some forces and aims to establish a detailed national picture of OOCDs to inform future policy.
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71 Recommendation Accepted
Third Report - Drugs
Further support Northern Ireland officials and communities responding to drugs during political stalemate.
In the absence of an operational Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly, the Government must further support officials and communities in Northern Ireland to respond to drugs. This must include support to develop and sustain early intervention and prevention initiatives under … Read more
Government Response
The government commits to supporting the Northern Ireland Executive's efforts against paramilitarism by providing c.£8 million per year until March 2024 and a further c.£8 million for 2024-2025. It also highlights an upcoming UK Drugs Ministerial meeting to enhance collaboration on drug issues.
Home Office
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Government Response AI assessment · 71 of 38 classified
Accepted 22
Accepted in Part 14
Acknowledged 8
Deferred 7
Not Addressed 3
Rejected 17
Total 38 recs + 33 conclusions
Correspondence 4 letters
23 Nov 2022 To committee Letter from Minister for Crime, Policing and Fire on the Middlesbrough DAT programme, dated 11 November 2022
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2 Nov 2022 To committee Letter from Public Health, Middlesbrough Council on closure of the Middlesbrough Diamorphine-Assisted Treatment programme, dated 31 October 2022
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27 Oct 2022 From committee Letter to the Minister for Policing and Crime on closure of Middlesbrough Diamorphine-Assisted Treatment programme, dated 27 October 2022
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27 Oct 2022 From committee Letter to Project ADDER on closure of Middlesbrough diamorphine assisted treatment programme, dated 27 October 2022
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