END OF 'JUST SAY NO' DRUGS WAR

Liam McDougall- Scotland On Sunday (UK)

Sun, 03 Mar 2002

Jack McConnell is dramatically to abandon the Scottish Executive's 'Just Say No' stance on drug abuse after admitting it has failed to halt the rising tide of addiction.

In a major policy U-turn, the First Minister will give the go-ahead to a strategy geared instead towards helping young people make 'informed decisions' about drug taking.

The controversial step, condemned by some anti-drug campaigners, will be unveiled later this month with the launch of the Executive's drugs communication strategy. McConnell will underline his commitment to making quality drugs information and advice available throughout the country.

The surprise move represents the first public acknowledgement that the hard-hitting 'Just Say No' and 'war on drugs' rhetoric pursued by consecutive governments of differing political hues has done nothing to reduce the number of illicit drug users in Scotland.

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