MP urges Government to back Right to Recovery Bill after rise in north-east drug deaths
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David Duguid has urged the SNP Government to back a Right to Recovery Bill from the Scottish Conservatives following a rise in north-east drug deaths.
The Banff and Buchan MP spoke of his shock after new figures revealed there have been 59 drug deaths across the region so far this year – 13 more than this time last year.
In total, there have been 722 suspected drug deaths so far in Scotland this year, which suggests this year’s figures will also be as high or even higher than last year.
David Duguid MP said: “Scotland is in the grip of a drugs crisis and the alarming rise in deaths under the SNP Government looks set to continue.
“It’s appalling and absolutely heartbreaking that the north-east has had such a large increase in drug deaths which was already shockingly high.
“Scotland’s drug death rate is close to four times higher than any other country in Europe and five times worth than England.
“These devastating trends should be a source of shame for the SNP Government who must take bold action, both on prevention and in making sure the right support is in place for people.
“This is why they should do right the thing and back a Right to Recovery Bill from the Scottish Conservatives to guarantee everyone gets the treatment they need.”
