SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit
Press Release: 18/09/03

The Scottish Socialist Party today attacked Jack McConnell for condemning Scotland to live in the past when it comes to reform of the drugs laws on a UK wide basis.
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) is to issue new guidelines in relation to the arrest and charging of those caught in possession of cannabis.
At First Ministers questions in the Parliament on Thursday, Jack McConnell said that there were no plans for the Scottish police to be issued with similar guidelines.
When pressed by Scottish Socialist Party MSP Colin Fox on the issue, McConnell stated that the Scottish police would continue the battle against hard drugs despite concrete evidence to the contrary
Colin Fox said;
“The First Minister seems to be completely oblivious to the reality of drugs cases that come before Scotland’s courts.
“71.34% of all drugs seizures in Scotland are of cannabis
“78% of drugs possession arrests in Scotland are for cannabis.
“Even when it comes to the major arrests for supply and trafficking, over 50% are for cannabis.
“Scotland’s police and court time is being taken up with the prosecution of cannabis users, something that is going to end in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The First Minister, by ruling out an equivalent move in Scotland, is ensuring that Scotland will continue to live in the past when it comes to making progress on these arcane and outdated laws.”
Tommy Sheridan further said;
“It is time for our First Minister to stop being a dope in relation to cannabis.
“England, Wales and Northern Ireland are moving on but dopey Jack wants to keep us in the dark ages.”