Drugs Death Debate

Mike Weatherley, the Member of Parliament for Hove & Portslade, has confirmed that 19 speakers for the Drug Debate that he is holding on Friday 30th September.

 

The debate will focus on four main themes:

-Social inequality, social exclusion and poverty;

-Health issues, interventions and treatment;

-Education about harms and removing stigma; and

-Drug strategy, criminalisation and unintended consequences.

 
Experts from all areas will be discussing everything from current national policy to a new way forward to tackle the consequences of drug use.  

Commenting, Mike said: “I am really pleased that we’ve got 19 high calibre speakers who have confirmed their attendance at the debate. With a wide and diverse background of specialists, it is looking like the debate will raise some very interesting issues.”

Hear our interview with Mike Weatherley

Drugs Death Debate - Mike Weatherley


The event is being held at Hove Town Hall at 10am on Friday 30th September 2011. The day will divided into four different sessions and there will be light refreshments at lunchtime. Members of the public are urged to attend.

Commenting on the debate, Chief Superintendent Graham Bartlett said: “I am delighted to be invited to the Drugs Deaths Conference on the 30th September. The police have a key role in enforcing the law and preventing harms to people and communities. This is an important event to highlight some of the challenges Brighton & Hove faces in this regard and I welcome the opportunity to be part of it.”

Also commenting on the debate, Martin Barnes said: “DrugScope has been working to minimise stigmatising reporting in media for many years, and welcomes the opportunity to debate the issue with such an esteemed panel.”

Discussing the issue, Mike said: “It’s excellent to hear that Graham and Martin are both looking forward to the debate. This is a great opportunity to openly discuss the myriad of issues that surround drugs in our city and the country at large.”

Community activist, Valerie Paynter, from saveHove said about Mike: “He has troubled to organise a serious conference day at Hove Town Hall on the huge drugs problem our society, and this city in particular, struggles to engage with to any effect.”