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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Family-run Greater Manchester business calls out customers for punching cakes
Thomas Melia
A well-known independent Greater Manchester business has taken to social media to call out customers who were caught on CCTV punching their cakes.
Known for everything from cakes and pastries to hot baked goods and custom chocolate designs, Slattery’s in Whitefield has been serving up their gorgeous cake and chocolate creations for over 50 years, all while keeping the business family-run.
Unfortunately, the reason they’re receiving lots of attention at the minute is due to two customers resorting to violence on their pre-packaged sweet-treat products.
The social media account for this Greater Manchester chocolatier has uploaded two images which show the outcome of the fatal blows which struck two of their Victoria Sponge cakes.
Although this punch may have cost them the price of two of their delicious traybakes, later on in the post, Slattery’s issues a big thanks to “All the wonderful families who’ve visited so far this summer.”
“We know cake can be exciting, but a gentle reminder that little bakers should remain under adult supervision at all times – Thank you.”
This third-generation family-run “chocolate wonderland” has brought a smile to many locals’ and tourists’ faces alike with their wide variety of unique-shaped chocolate bars, lollies, grab bags and more.
All throughout 2021, Slattery’s were serving up their moreish Slattery’s Chocolate Lockdown Platters consisting of shortbread, brownies, fudge, pretzels, marshmallows and Oreos, helping Mancs continue to get our sugary fix even during one of the country’s toughest times.
Just look at them – they do the lord’s work:
Slattery’s chocolate shop and bakery has called out customers on social media for punching their pre-packaged cakes / Credit: The Manc Group
As well as attracting visitors with its grand three-storey bakery and chocolate shop, Slattery’s also has its very own restaurant, Mason’s Dining Room, where people flock to attempt the ‘Chocolate Challenge’.
To win, two chocoholics must team up to finish an American-style chocolate fudge cake with chocolate ice cream, a portion of fresh cream and two chocolate pots filled with liquid chocolate sauce – oh and two delicious hot chocolate drinks too.
Any sweet tooth successor will bag themselves one of Slattery’s chocolate medals and a box of handmade chocolates too – in case you needed chocolate anymore.
Lastly, anyone after supporting this Greater Manchester sweet-treat provider can find the chocolatier and cake makers on 197 Bury New Road in Whitefield or via Slattery’s official website HERE.
Featured Images – The Manc Group/Slattery’s (via Instagram)
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Plans to build tower next to Manchester’s historic Britons Protection pub scrapped
Danny Jones
Punters, rejoice: plans to build a large apartment tower next to Manchester’s Britons Protection pub have reportedly been scrapped after a long, drawn-out process and widespread protests.
What a relief.
One of the city’s oldest boozers, the Britons Protection was due to be dwarfed by a large development reaching 26 storeys tall, which not only would have encroached on the cultural landmark and storied watering hole, but also blocked out its popular beer garden to the rear.
We’ve seen a similar loss of outdoor drinking space with the recent St Michael’s development, which has essentially removed the equally historic Sir Ralph Abercromby pub – though it is at least getting a refurb – but in truth, the ‘Protect the Protection’ fight has been going on much longer.
As per a notice published on Manchester City Council’s website this week, it now appears that the plans for 72 new flats have been cancelled, with developers Arrowsmith Management having officially withdrawn their application.
Run by Bahraini businessman Mohamed Abbas Haji, the company is now said to be reassessing its options for the ‘Apex Tower’ proposals.
Speaking to the BBC, Mark Brennan – who took over the pub back in January 2025 – said: “I’m quite happy to be honest, a lot of people say the pub might be busier with more people about, but that doesn’t necessarily translate to people coming in here.”
“It would have looked horrendous… It’s Grade II-listed, so the pub should always be here. It wouldn’t have been a good look, having a big ugly building on top of our building.”
Countless Mancunians have echoed the sentiment over the past few years, with appeals dating back to post-pandemic and a big awareness push in 2021.
Standing for more than two centuries and holding countless awards, it was never going to go quietly.
It also happens to be quite comfortably on our list of the cosiest pubs in Manchester and has been since day dot.
Anyone who’s been in will know the sense of a warm welcome the place always puts out, and we’re overjoyed to hear that years of petitions and campaigning to save it have paid off.
These stories don’t always end with the right outcome (not often enough, anyway), so we’ll definitely be raising a glass to the Britons Protected this weekend.
Unfortunately, we do still have some other sad news from the hospitality sector, as our oldest Manc publican has passed away at a fellow favourite pub.
Emily Sergeant -
31st August 2023 
