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
May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.
This bill would treat problem drug use as a public health issue and push the government to take a lead role in drugs policy. It would review welfare sanctions on people who use drugs, allow safe drug consumption facilities, and decriminalise possession of small quantities for personal use, while also changing how drug dependence is recognised and how policy guidance is followed. It also sets out related aims to reduce stigma and to update the classification of drugs and related requirements for government action.
The bill is at its 2nd Reading in the House of Commons. If the bill progresses, it would move to the committee stage for detailed scrutiny and discussion of the proposed provisions.
Generated 21 February 2026
29 Sept 2020
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.
