Lanarkshire MSP calls of parliamentarians to back Right to Addiction Recovery Bill

A Lanarkshire MSP has urged other local Scottish parliamentarians to give their backing to the Right to Addiction Recovery Bill.

Meghan Gallacher’s call comes after the bill was officially introduced in the Scottish Parliament by Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross alongside frontline experts, including Annemarie Ward of Faces and Voices Recovery UK who was involved in drafting the bill.

The bill will enshrine in law the right to access the most appropriate treatment for all those in Scotland who are suffering with drug or alcohol addiction issues.

Ms Gallacher, the Central Scotland Tory list MSP, said: “I am delighted to see the Right to Recovery Bill finally be formally introduced to the Scottish Parliament.

“This bill has been written alongside frontline experts and secured overwhelming support during its consultation stage.

“At its heart is a legal right enshrined in law for everyone who needs it to access treatment which is the most appropriate for them.

“Drug deaths in Scotland are the highest in Europe, while alcohol deaths are at their highest level since 2008.

“Too many people in Central Scotland have lost their lives to drugs or alcohol in recent years and we must stop so many people grieving the loss of loved ones.

“That is why I have now written to local SNP MSP Christina McKelvie urging them to confirm their backing for the Right to Recovery Bill.

We have heard plenty of warm words from SNP politicians about the bill, but now they must actively back it to ensure it becomes law as soon as possible.

“This proposed legislation is long overdue and we should not delay for a moment longer if we are to truly tackle the drug and alcohol deaths crisis in Central Scotland.”

Mr Ross also urged cross-party MSPs to back his member’s bill, which will need to be scrutinised and voted on by MSP before becoming law.

He said: “I’m not saying this bill is a silver bullet that will solve all of the issues, but surely if we can get people that legal right to get the treatment they need and deserve, that’s a huge step forward.

“And then it’s incumbent on government health boards, drug and alcohol partnership to deliver on the ground what people need to turn their lives around and to save lives.”

New First Minister John Swinney said: “I give the commitment that the Government will look at that seriously.

"We’ve just seen it but we will look at the terms of that Bill and we will engage constructively in the spirit of goodwill to make sure we consider all of those proposals and determine whether they can make a difference to the efforts of tackling drug deaths in our society.”

Drugs Minister Christina McKelvie told the BBC that the Scottish Government treated problematic drug use as a health issue, not a criminal matter.

She said its National Mission aimed to get people into the treatment and recovery that is right for them while supporting them to address other social and economic needs.

Ms McKelvie, who is also the MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse, added the Scottish Government would continue to improve access and choice of treatment as well as expanding access to residential services and community-based support, mental health services and housing.

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