Current and former users asked to advise government on drug policy

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Scotland’s drugs policy minister Angela Constance announced a collaboration of past and present drug users, charities and third-sector organisations that will meet to suggest ideas for the Scottish Government The National Collaborative will be led by human rights law expert Professor Alan Miller, with support from government officials in the drugs policy division. “Delivering on such an important strand of the national mission requires someone with a successful track record on delivering change on behalf of these groups of people and Professor Miller has been a leading voice in human rights through his work as independent co-chair of the National Taskforce for Human Rights Leadership and now on the Human Rights Bill Advisory Board. “I look forward to working with Professor Miller and everybody involved in the collaborative as we focus on the actions required to tackle this public health emergency and ultimately save lives.” I am committed to bring together and amplify the voices of experience in a way which will empower people affected by drugs Professor Alan Miller Prof Miller said: “I am very pleased to take up the position of chair of the National Collaborative to help improve and save lives in what is a public health emergency. “This will help improve treatment and recovery services as a matter of urgency whilst also importantly help us all tackle the underlying causes of problematic drug use through anchoring in Scotland’s pending new human rights framework the rights of those affected by drugs.” Dave Kelly, team leader at the Change Grow, Live charity, met Ms Constance and Prof Miller at the Blackburn Recovery Cafe, one of the community activities the service runs in West Lothian.