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Swinney backs drug decriminalisation DESPITE 11% surge in Scottish deaths branded 'indefensible'

From the Newshound archive · first published 24 September 2026 · last updated 25 September 2026.

Swinney backs drug decriminalisation DESPITE 11% surge in Scottish deaths branded 'indefensible'

John Swinney has reaffirmed his support for allowing people to possess drugs for personal use without facing criminal charges, after new figures showed 1,133 Scots died from drug-related causes last year — an 11 per cent increase on 2024. Scotland already records by far the highest drug death rate in Europe. Swinney said his government is "exhausting every element" of its powers, describing decriminalisation as "part of the range of measures" needed.

Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay said the SNP's "weak policies" were a "major contributing factor" in Scotland's "appalling" death toll.

Reform UK has lodged a no-confidence motion in SNP drugs minister Maree Todd, saying bereaved families want "someone in government to finally be held accountable."

Findlay accused Swinney of effectively raising "a white flag in the drugs war", warning more deaths are now inevitable.

MoreDaily MailAfter surge in deaths, SNP leader STILL backs soft touch approachThe ScotsmanSwinney backs decriminalisation as drug deaths branded 'indefensible'BBC News - ScotlandSwinney backs decriminalisation of drugs after spike in deathsThe HeraldJohn Swinney continues supporting drug decriminalisation as Scotland crisis grows
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