Clydebank’s MP has urged “fresh thinking” on drug policy after it emerged 20 people were killed by narcotics last year.

The statistics, released last week by the National Records of Scotland, showed a rise from 15 to 20 between 2017 and 2018 in West Dunbartonshire.

The figures caused outcry across the country, and Martin Docherty-Hughes MP has called for a re-think.

Although campaigners have pushed the idea of decriminalisation, politicians - including Mr Docherty-Hughes - have stopped short of endorsing the move.

He told the Post: “Each of these families has been left devastated by the loss of a loved one.

“Drug support services like Alternatives in West Dunbartonshire offer a vital lifeline to those suffering from addictions and drug problems.

“It’s a national issue though and these figures illustrate clearly why we need fresh thinking on drug strategy. I think the evidence shows that we need to take a more health-centred approach to drugs rather than treating it primarily as a criminal justice matter.

“Whilst drug policy remains controlled by Westminster, SNP MPs will continue pressing the UK Government to tackle the problems caused by austerity and drug-related harm.”

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Clydebank SNP MSP Gil Paterson also hit out at the UK Government for its part in the epidemic.

He said: “These statistics highlight the abject failure of the UK Government’s policy over the control of drugs.

“Although I commend the Scottish Government for its efforts in tackling this issue, including the investment of a further £20million a year to prevent drug related harm, how are they expected to solve this problem with the UK Government’s strategy meaning the Scottish Government are effectively trying to do so with two hands tied behind their back?

“Just recently The UK Government denied a request from Glasgow City Council to open a drug consumption facility, which has been successful elsewhere. The public health minister gave evidence to the Scottish affairs committee and begged for help in persuading the UK Government to act now on this issue.

“The Scottish Government are prepared to take innovative and bold measures in order to save the lives of those most at risk.”

He added: “It’s time for a revolution of thought to look at what happens elsewhere, where laws have been changed and bold decisions have been taken.

“Anybody involved in the sharp end on drugs, particularly the police, know this isn’t working and we need action. But action can’t happen if you don’t have the power.”

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But Dumbarton’s Labour MSP Jackie Baillie called on the Scottish Government to deem the epidemic a public health emergency. Scotland is now the worst nation in the world for the rate of people dying from drugs.

She said: “It is heartbreaking to learn that the number of drug deaths in West Dunbartonshire has risen by a quarter since last year.

“The Scottish Government should treat this as a public health emergency and must use every power available to them to tackle this crisis.

“Drug deaths are preventable and both our governments, in Scotland and the UK, must work together with experts and those living with substance misuse, to try to solve the problem.”