Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Office, with reference to the report, Reducing Crime and Preventing Harm: West Midlands Drug Policy Recommendations, published in February 2018, whether she plans to bring forward proposals for the introduction of city centre drug testing facilities at night time economy venues.

Drugs are illegal and there is scientific and medical evidence that they are harmful to health and society. The possession of any amount of a controlled drug is a criminal offence and the supply of a controlled drug (with intent to supply to others) is an even more serious offence. No illegal drug-taking can be assumed to be safe and there is no safe way to take them.

The Government’s approach remains clear: we must prevent illicit drug use in our communities and help those dependent to recover, while ensuring that our drugs laws are enforced. While operational decisions are a matter for Chief Constables, the Government and the public expect the police to enforce the law.