Scotland drug deaths rise 11% amid calls for decriminalisation

Scotland is facing a public health emergency following reports from the National Records of Scotland that drug-related deaths rose by 11 per cent in 2025, totaling 1,133 fatalities. First Minister John Swinney has reaffirmed his support for the decriminalisation of drugs for personal use as a harm-reduction measure, despite drug legislation being reserved to the UK government in Westminster.

In response to the rising figures, the Reform party has called for a vote of no confidence in drugs minister Maree Todd. Reform deputy leader Thomas Kerr stated that the increase in deaths under Todd’s tenure is “absolutely devastating” and urged opposition parties to unite to hold the minister accountable. To proceed, the motion requires the support of 25 MSPs.

Scottish Labour leader Michael Marra has also called for a new government strategy, noting that individuals in impoverished communities are 15 times more likely to die from drug misuse than those in wealthy areas. Swinney attributed the crisis to intergenerational poverty, trauma, and the prevalence of potent synthetic substances.