Conservative Party: Government announces new drug strategy

The Government has announced its new drug strategy with an uncompromising drive to crack down on those involved in the drugs trade combined with revolutionising treatment services to offer recovery as a route out of dependency.

Coalition government ministers believe that Labour's focus on reducing the harm caused by illicit drugs is no longer enough. The new strategy will focus instead on recovery as the most effective route out of dependency. At the heart of the new strategy are plans to make drug addicts completely end their addiction rather than just cutting their use.

The new cross-government approach will also see a renewed focus on reducing demand and restricting supply.  More action will be taken to seize the assets of those involved in the drugs trade both in the UK and abroad and teachers will be given greater powers to search for and confiscate drugs and alcohol in schools.  A network of former addicts will be set up to build a nationwide network of 'recovery champions' to inspire and support others on their road to recovery.

Minister for Crime Prevention , James Brokenshire said:

"Drugs ruin lives and cause misery to families and communities across the country. There are no quick fixes, what we want to achieve is a generational shift, to get people to take responsibility for their actions and free themselves from the vicious cycle of drug and alcohol dependency.

"Today's message is clear. Simply focusing on reducing the harms cause by illicit drug use is no longer enough. We must focus on recovery as the most effective route out of dependency.

"We will also tighten the net on unscrupulous drug dealers, introduce temporary banning orders to allow us to take immediate action against new 'legal highs', protect vulnerable young people by preventing them from falling into a cycle of dependency, and encourage record numbers of drug users into treatment."