The Scottish government says it favours a public-health approach, with less involvement for the justice system. Earlier this month it announced that a “task force” would examine the causes of drug deaths. It supports a plan by Glasgow City Council to open “fix rooms”, where people can use illegal drugs under medical supervision.
But whereas health and justice policy are largely devolved, drug law is not. The Scottish government argues that the Misuse of Drugs Act needs to be amended before the fix rooms can go ahead. Westminster is unwilling to do this. The SDF and others think a “letter of comfort” from the Lord Advocate, Scotland’s attorney-general, would be enough. But James Wolffe, the holder of the post, disagrees, saying a “comprehensive legal framework” is required. There is a feeling no one is exhausting every possibility.
Meanwhile, calls are growing for stronger medicine. On July 4th the Daily Record newspaper called in a front-page editorial for drug use to be decriminalised. The Greens and Liberal Democrats back the idea, but the Scottish National Party, which runs the government, is less sure. A growing number of countries are experimenting along such lines. In 2001 Portugal decriminalised all drugs. Nearly two decades on, it is at the opposite end of the Europe’s drug-death league table to Scotland. ■
Vacancy: The Economist is looking to hire a staff writer to cover British economics. Journalistic experience is not necessary; the ability to write clearly and entertainingly is. For details of how to apply, visit economist.com/britainjob2019. The deadline is August 4th.
