A Bill to require the Secretary of State to declare problem drug use a public health emergency; to require the Secretary of State to review the effects of welfare sanctions on people who use drugs; to make the Department for Health and Social Care the lead department for drugs policy; to require the Secretary of State to respond publicly to recommendations of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs; to amend the classification of drugs in the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971; to make provision for safe drug consumption facilities; to decriminalise the possession of small quantities of drugs for personal use; to make provision about the stigmatisation of problem drug use; to amend the Equality Act 2010 to recognise drug dependence as a health condition; and for connected purposes.
House of Commons
5 May 2021
The Bill would treat problem drug use as a public health issue, shift policy leadership to the Department of Health and Social Care, and introduce reforms such as decriminalising small‑quantity possession, creating safe drug consumption facilities, and recognising drug dependence as a health condition. It also requires the government to respond publicly to expert recommendations and to address stigma around drug use, with changes to the Misuse of Drugs Act and the Equality Act.
The Bill is currently at the second reading stage in the House of Commons.
Generated 21 February 2026
The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress.
No recorded votes for this bill yet.
