\n<\/p>\n
The Scottish Parliament has been divided by the issue, with the SNP, Scottish Greens and Lib Dems calling for more “harm reduction measures” like safer injection sites.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile the Scottish Conservatives and Reform have decried “state-sponsored drug taking”, calling for the Thistle facility<\/a> to be shut down in favour of more rehab beds.<\/p>\n The Scottish government’s drugs minister, Maree Todd, said the Scottish government was taking a public health approach to drugs, which would reduce harm and save lives. <\/p>\n She said it would allow people found in possession of drugs to be treated and supported rather than criminalised and excluded.<\/p>\n Todd continued: “Evidence also suggests it can help remove barriers to people accessing support and treatment. We are equally clear that strong support, treatment and harm reduction services are also essential.<\/p>\n “We continue to widen access to naloxone treatment and residential rehabilitation.”<\/p>\n More than 11,000 drug-related deaths have been recorded in Scotland over the past decade.<\/p>\n