55 Years of the Misuse of Drugs Act

That this House notes that the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, which received Royal Assent 55 years ago, has failed to reduce drug consumption and that drug deaths are now at a record high; regrets that the Act is clearly not fit for purpose, having instead increased harm, damaged public health and exacerbated social inequalities; recognises that, every year it remains in force, billions of pounds will be wasted, thousands of lives lost and countless people needlessly criminalised; insists that an evidence-based approach that provides pathways for people with drug difficulties into treatment, rather than the criminal justice system, must instead be prioritised; and calls on the Government to repeal and replace the Act as a matter of urgency with legislation that will ensure future drug policy protects human rights, promotes public health and ensures social justice.