Question to the Ministry of Justice:

Whether he has had discussions with the (a) Secretary of State for Health and Social Care and (b) Home Secretary on declaring problem drug use a public health emergency.

The Prime Minister’s Crime and Justice Taskforce (CJTF) was established last year to consider matters relating to the prevention of crime and the effectiveness of the Criminal Justice System, including combating drug misuse. The Home Secretary, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care and the Lord Chancellor are core members of this Taskforce.

In January, the Government announced £80 million to fund drug treatment in England in 2021/22 – the biggest increase in 15 years.

The majority of the funding will be allocated to Local Authorities, through universal grants, to enhance drug treatment, focused on reducing drug related crime and drug related deaths.