By our political staff
Simon Kirby MP has issued the following press release;
SIMON KIRBY MP EXPRESSES CONCERN ABOUT DRUG CONSUMPTION ROOMS DURING QUESTION IN HOUSE OF COMMONS
In a question today to the Leader of the House of Commons, Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, has called for a debate in the House of Commons around a city-wide Safe in the Community Partnership sponsored report recommendation to create ‘safe-houses’ for drug taking in Brighton and asked if the Government was aware of the proposal. Mr Kirby was responding to the publication of the report today. The Leader of the House, Rt Hon Andrew Lansley MP, explained in response that although the Government had not seen the report, it would not agree to any proposals which contravened the United Nations drug conventions or the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. The use of drug consumption rooms was not legal under UK law and could encourage the illicit trade in drugs and put communities at risk.
Mr Kirby said: ‘We need to be working to eliminate drug use not just managing it. I am very concerned as to where these premises are likely to be located, if indeed they are even legal, and how they will be managed. Brighton has had a drug problem for many years and we need to be taking tough action against suppliers and dealers and working to get users into treatment as quickly as possible. I am also concerned at the impact on children if the locations are near to schools or areas where young people congregate.
Brighton needs a clear response regarding the drug issue in the city and I am not convinced this is the best way forward.
I shall be following this issue closely as the report’s recommendations are considered further.’
