Douglas Ross says it’s time for the SNP Government to “get off the fence” and back his party’s landmark bill to tackle the nation’s drugs death crisis.
Following a ministerial statement in parliament today on reducing drug-related deaths, the Scottish Conservative leader urged Angela Constance and her colleagues to back the Right to Recovery Bill, which has the support of experts in the field of addiction.
But despite the bill receiving overwhelming backing during its consultation period, the Drugs Minister would only say the Scottish Government will give it “a sympathetic hearing”.
Scottish Conservative Leader Douglas Ross said: “SNP Ministers have to get off the fence and get behind the Right to Recovery Bill.
“More than three-quarters of those who responded to the proposals in the consultation period were supportive of the bill – and that’s because it’s common-sense legislation drawn up in consultation with people who are experts in this area.
“It’s disingenuous of ministers to keep saying they will wait to see what’s in the bill before deciding whether to back it or not. The details of it are common knowledge and if all the stakeholders who responded understand what’s in it, it’s surely not beyond the wit of the SNP Government to have formed an opinion.
“Scotland’s drugs death figures are a national tragedy. They shame Nicola Sturgeon - who has presided over its inexorable rise. There is no further time to lose, so I can’t understand why the SNP won’t get behind this legislation, so that we can get it on the statute book.
“Right to Recovery would enshrine in law the right of everyone to receive the life-saving treatment they need – including, where appropriate, residential rehab.”
Notes
Transcript of the exchange:
Douglas Ross: “On Monday, I’ll publish the final proposals for the Right to Recovery Bill which I’m taking through this parliament. The minister will be aware that 77% of the respondents to the consultation on that bill were in support. Can the minister tell us if the Scottish Government will give support to this bill, which has been drafted by frontline experts and those with lived experience who know what's needed to tackle Scotland’s drugs death?”
Angela Constance: “As I have said to Mr Ross on a number of occasions now, his bill, when he brings it forward, and when we can see the detail of it, will absolutely be given a fair and sympathetic hearing. I know there are a range of views expressed on the bill. I'm not going to jump in and either give a blank check, you know a rosy endorsement, or indeed an unfair criticism to something that I've not seen. But I do look forward to seeing the detail. I have met Mr Ross in the past to discuss this and to candidly discuss, you know, some of the issues that I would hope to see reflected in the bill if he brings it forward. It will be given a fair and sympathetic hearing by this government.”