All eyes are on Glasgow as the UK’s first drug consumption room opens

All eyes are on Glasgow as the UK’s first safer drugs consumption room has opened in the East End.

Following a decade of discussions and planning, The Thistle Centre will provide a space where drug users can take illegal substances under medical supervision in a clean environment.

Simultaneous to the opening, Westminister has announced it is launching an enquiry into the “legal and policy challenges” faced in setting up and running the facility as well as its effectiveness in reducing drug related deaths.

It will also examine what legal changes might need to be made to allow the facility to run sustainably beyond its three year pilot.

Similar centres across the world have found to be successful in reducing the fatal impact of illegal drugs.

Though it is near impossible to estimate the impact of this centre, it is hoped it will have a similar outcome in a bid to have a more empathetic approach to drug users.

Scotland has the highest rate of drug deaths in Europe with the latest figures showing 1172 people died from drug misuse in 2023 - a rise of 12 percent from 2022.