Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Labour minister claims Green policy would unleash ‘drugs epidemic’ across UK

Related: Sadiq Khan visits cannabis dispensary in LA
  • Policing Minister Sarah Jones has warned that the Green Party's drug policy could turn playgrounds into "crack dens" and unleash a "drugs epidemic" across Britain.
  • Green Party leader Zack Polanski defended their proposal for a "public health approach" to drug-taking, advocating for a regulated market to curb criminal supply and reduce harm.
  • Mr Polanski argued that the "war on drugs is failing" and criticised Labour for playing "political games" with people's lives, urging them to adopt an evidence-based approach.
  • The debate intensified ahead of a by-election in Greater Manchester, where Green Party candidate Hannah Spencer has previously supported drug decriminalisation.
  • Labour claims the Green Party's proposals could lead to a doubling of drug deaths and increased public drug use, referencing Oregon's experience where overdose deaths rose after decriminalisation.
In full

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in