Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 3
3
Deferred
Articulate The Thistle's rationale and objectives clearly and consistently to improve public understanding.
Conclusion
A range of rationales have been given for why there is a need for The Thistle and what effect it is intended to have. This has been unhelpful to public understanding of the facility and may result in unrealistic expectations of its impact. Moving forward, it is imperative that the rationale and objectives of the facility are clear, and articulated in a consistent, disciplined manner. (Conclusion, Paragraph 37) The legal position of The Thistle
Government Response Summary
The government deflected by reiterating its commitment to an evidence-based drug policy and highlighting existing successful programs, rather than addressing the clarity of The Thistle facility's rationale and objectives as recommended.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
The Government is committed to an evidence-based approach towards drug policy within the law, ensuring we are following the evidence and taking account of any relevant considerations when providing measures to tackle substance misuse. This commitment has been demonstrated by our world leading, evidence-based Individual Placement and Support Programme, which is successfully helping those struggling with substance dependence disorders find and keep paid jobs. The Government has also demonstrated a commitment to following the evidence through its successful widening of the availability of naloxone to prevent overdose deaths. The Government has also been consistent in its support for heroin assisted treatment, and opioid substitution treatment (typically using methadone or buprenorphine) the most widely studied medical intervention for heroin dependence, with long-term evidence for reduced drug use, injecting and mortality. Changing legislation to enable additional Drug Consumption Rooms