The London Drug and Alcohol News have asked three of the London Mayoral candidates about their views on drugs.
Here are some of what they said:
Boris Johnson:
The evidence suggests that many drugs users in the capital are young adults. This means we need to tackle substance abuse through better education in school and youth groups. And given that alcohol misuse can start with teenagers, I will not hesitate to name and shame councils that fail to crack down on shops selling alcohol to under 18s.
Brian Paddick:
For nonaddicts, I believe the emphasis needs to be on educating rather than criminalising people, getting those with credibility to tell young people in particular what the risks are of taking drugs and alcohol.That means recovering addicts and medical professionals going into schools and colleges and talking about their experiences.
Ken Livingston:
I made publishing the definitive ‘Highs and Lows’ reports a key priority. I have supported and championed good practice in boroughs, and among the voluntary and statutory sector, encouraging services to join up.
Filed under: drug education , London, London Mayor
