Primarolo: Drug 'treatment works'

Wednesday, 25, Jul 2007 12:00

The public health minister Dawn Primarolo has emphasised the role of treatment in the government's new drug strategy, claiming it has led to a 20 per cent drop in drug related crime.

The statement comes as the government announced a new consultation on drugs policy. It says its new strategy is based on tough measures against dealers, a robust drug education programme for school pupils and improved treatment for users.

To a limited extent, the focus on treatment reflects the calls of many drug charities for policy to be based on public health instead of criminal justice.

"Thanks to unprecedented NHS investment an estimated 190,000 people received treatment for drug misuse last year - up from 85,000 in 1998

- with almost 80 per cent remaining in treatment for at least three months," Ms Primarolo said.

"Treatment works, it helps people put their lives back together and

It means they no longer need money to buy drugs. Since 2003 drug-related crimes have fallen by 20 per cent."

But the government has not adopted a whole heartedly liberal approach to drugs.

Gordon Brown's announcement of a further review of cannabis reclassification has been interpreted by many observers as a sign he is concerned the Tories' tough stance on the issue will be popular with Middle England.