MPs are calling for safe spaces for illegal drug consumption to be introduced in the UK as part of an overhaul of drug laws.
Over the past few years, the Scottish Government has been pressing for so-called ‘safe consumption facilities’ to be set up across the UK, where drug users would effectively be able to take illegal substances under medical supervision.
The aim of these ‘safe spaces’ would be to eventually prevent drug-related overdoses and other drug-related incidents in areas nationwide where there’s deemed to be a need.
But so far, all their calls have been blocked the central Government in Westminster – until today.
Now, the Home Affairs Committee has published a report that recommends a pilot in Glasgow be supported by Westminster and jointly-funded by both Governments, and, in the instance that the UK Government remains unwilling to support the pilot, then the Committee wants the power to establish the pilot devolved to the Scottish Government.
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MPs call for ‘safe spaces’ where illegal drugs can be taken in the UK / Credit: Pxfuel
“We recommend the government support a pilot in Glasgow by creating a legislative pathway under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 that enables such a facility to operate legally,” the Committee said in its report.
The report also recommended that the Home Office and Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) “jointly establish a national drug checking service in England” to enable people to “submit drug samples by post anonymously”.
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A review of the existing classifications of controlled substances by the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) was also called for to ensure they “accurately reflect the risk of harm” – with further reviews every 10 years.
The Committee also said both the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 require reform, adding in its report: “We recommend that the UK government reform the 1971 Act and 2001 Regulations in a way that promotes a greater role for public health in our response to drugs, whilst maintaining our law enforcement to tackling the illicit production and supply of controlled drugs.”
The Committee’s report today comes after figures from the National Records of Scotland (NRS) revealed last week that Scotland has seen its largest-ever fall in drug deaths, with a total of 1,051 deaths due to drug misuse in 2022 – which is a drop of 279 on the previous year.
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However, while this is the lowest figure since 2017, the NRS data still showed that the rate of deaths is “much higher” than it was when recording the data began in 1996.
The Home Affairs Committee has published a report today / Credit: Rawpixel
Several UK MPs have said the recommended pilot “must be evaluated” by the UK Government in order to establish a “reliable evidence base on the utility of a safe consumption facility” nationwide.
In response to the Committee’s reports and recommendations, a Home Office spokesperson said claimed there is “no safe way to take illegal drugs” as they “devastate lives, ruin families, and damage communities”.
“We have no plans to consider this,” the spokesperson said in a statement.
“Our 10-year Drugs Strategy set out ambitious plans, backed with a record £3 billion funding over three years, to tackle the supply of illicit drugs through relentless policing action and building a world-class system of treatment and recovery to turn people’s lives around and prevent crime.”
Featured Image – Pxfuel
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GMP officer sentenced after hitting pedestrian during police chase in Rochdale
Emily Sergeant
A police officer has been sentenced this week after he struck and ‘seriously injured’ a pedestrian following a pursuit of a suspected drink driver in Rochdale.
35-year-old Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officer PC Sam Lockley pleaded guilty back in January 2026 following an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation.
The IOPC investigation established that, in the early hours of the morning on 19 November 2023, PC Lockley was driving a marked police vehicle with the lights and sirens activated, and attempted to stop a suspected drunk driver on Drake Street in Rochdale.
A short pursuit that commenced but stopped merely a minute later after the police vehicle collided with a pedestrian on the footpath of Rochdale Road at approximately 3:30am.
The evidence gathered indicated that PC Lockley failed to slow down as he approached and drove through the red traffic lights at the Kingsway junction, and was travelling at a speed of 96mph in a 30mph zone.
The pedestrian suffered ‘serious injuries’ as a result of the collision, and received extensive medical treatment following.
At a hearing back in February of this year, PC Lockley received a two-year suspended sentence and was ordered to carry out 15 days community service, while also receiving two-year driving disqualification.
Also following the investigation, the IOPC decided that Lockley should face a gross misconduct hearing to face allegations that his manner of driving breached the police standards of professional behaviour.
“We continue to liaise with the force about disciplinary proceedings,” the IOPC concluded.
IOPC Director Amanda Rowe added: “My sympathies remain with the man, who sustained serious injuries, and all those affected by the incident.
“This was a complex investigation which relied on extensive amounts of data and expert analysis and the evidence showed PC Lockley drove at excessive speeds at night-time and although he was responding to a report of a suspected drink driver, it does not excuse his manner of driving.
“PC Lockley admitted he drove in a dangerous manner when he didn’t address hazards or warnings during the pursuit and ultimately by the time he saw the pedestrian, he was travelling too fast to avoid a collision.
“His actions that day have had long-lasting consequences and he has now been held accountable.”
Featured Image – Rawpixel
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Manchester Town Hall is FINALLY taking wedding and events bookings for the first time since 2018
Emily Sergeant
A new era is on the horizon, as Manchester Town Hall has announced that it’ll be finally taking bookings for weddings and events once again.
That’s right… for the first time since it closed its doors to the public for what is the UK’s biggest restoration project to date back in 2018, one of Manchester’s most iconic landmarks is soon set to welcome its first weddings and events in a decade – with bookings for the city’s most romantic address now open once again.
Manchester Town Hall has stood at the centre of civic life in the city since 1877, and for generations, couples have exchanged their vows within its walls.
Now, as it enters the home stretch of its restoration, the Grade I-listed building is gearing up to kickstart weddings and corporate events from January 2028.
Set reopen to the public next year, first up will be a series of celebratory reopening events – which are yet to be announced – before a phased approach will then allow the building and teams to be fully prepared to host commercial events again from 2028.
Manchester Town Hall has announced that it’s finally taking wedding and events bookings for the first time since 2018 / Credit: Supplied
From its grand architecture and soaring stained glass windows, to sweeping staircases that offer the perfect ‘just married’ photo opportunities, this one-of-a-kind venue gives couples the opportunity to combine the romance and grandeur of a historic setting with the energy of a city centre celebration.
Inside the restored building, you’ll find The Great Hall, which is a magnificent setting with striking architectural character, as well as The Conference Hall, The Banqueting Hall, and The Reception Room, all of which offer equally characterful spaces that are perfect for private dinners, ceremonies, or corporate events.
The Lord Mayor’s Parlour is one of many settings overlooking the newly reopened Albert Square, while various elegant reception areas provide the perfect location for drinks and arrival moments.
“Our Town Hall is a real Victorian masterpiece and we’re looking forward to sharing it with the public once again,” explained Cllr Garry Bridges, who is Leader of Manchester City Council, as bookings finally open up this week.
“It’s a special building which belongs to the people and it’s great that they will be able to celebrate important landmarks in their lives, such as marriage, in its spectacular setting.
“The Town Hall is full of history. Here’s to many more stories being written within its walls.”
Want to be one of the first people who gets married or hosts an event at Manchester Town Hall once it reopens in 2028? You can enquire about booking here.
Emily Sergeant -
31st August 2023 
