Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to increase (a) awareness and (b) the availability of Naloxone in public locations.

Naloxone forms a key part of the Government’s plan to reduce drug related deaths, and we are committed to raising awareness of, and expanding access to, naloxone across the country.

To expand access to naloxone, in December 2024, the Department amended the Human Medicines Regulations 2012. This legislation enables more services and professionals to supply naloxone, which in turn makes it easier for people at risk to access it. The Department is continuing to work with the other UK nations and front-line services to ensure naloxone reaches all those who need it.

We also published guidance on GOV.UK earlier this year that sets out essential practical information such as who can supply naloxone, the products available, how to use naloxone and other basic lifesaving tools, and the training required. This guidance is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/supplying-take-home-naloxone-without-a-prescription

As naloxone is a prescription-only medication, only those that are listed in the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 are able to supply naloxone without a prescription. However, the Department is currently considering options to do more in both expanding access to naloxone and raising awareness of the medication.