Petitions

Cathy Jamieson Excerpts

Tuesday 9th December 2014 Commons Chamber

[Cathy Jamieson (Kilmarnock and Loudoun) (Lab/Co-op)]

In presenting this petition, I would like to thank my constituent Yvonne Chafey, who first began a local campaign to stop legal highs, and the Kilmarnock Standard and the Daily Record for publicising the issue. Hundreds of people in my constituency have signed the petition.

The petition states:

The Petition of residents of Kilmarnock and Loudoun,

Declares that the Petitioners believe that the sale of substances commonly referred to as “legal highs” constitutes a clear and present danger to public health, and in particular to the health of young people; further that the Petitioners believe that, at present, there is a severe lack of information available to the public regarding the potential physical and psychological risks associated with the human consumption of such substances; and further that the risks associated with the human consumption of such substances varies depending on the consumer, but are increased if the substance is consumed in conjunction with alcohol or other psychoactive drugs.

The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to consider whether certain substances commonly referred to as “legal highs” should be reclassified in order to enhance public awareness of the risks associated with their consumption and further requests that the House urges the Government to consider whether greater support should be provided to individuals and families affected by the use of such substances.

And the Petitioners remain, etc.