Siobhan Robertson
At the beginning of the year, Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak shared his vision of “stronger communities and safer streets” for generations to come. But as his speech went on to paint a grim picture of addiction, it was clear who he blamed for us feeling unsafe.
According to Sunak, “we’ve got to beat addiction because heroin and crack addicts account for almost half of all robberies.” He also went on to allege they are amongst those who “spray graffiti on war memorials, discard needles and nitrous oxide canisters in children’s playgrounds, gang together, and cause disorder and disruption.”
“I never expect to make it to the end of a Conservative’s speech without feeling anger at some point.”
In an attempt to ‘reassure us’, Sunak said police forces, mayors and local authorities will be given “the tools they need” to “quickly and visibly” punish vulnerable people.
I never expect to make it to the end of a Conservative speech without feeling some level of anger. But I was still shocked to hear him use the words “heroin and crack addicts” when describing the people he views as antisocial – people he views as the problem.
Anti-Social Behaviour Action Plan
It’s clear tearing down vulnerable people is sewn into the fabric of the Conservative Party. Home Secretary Suella Braverman mirrored Sunak’s speech, connecting addiction with antisocial behaviour in a speech to Parliament on March 27.
Braverman painted a bleak picture of “the decent, hard-working, law-abiding majority” who – according to her – are “living in fear” when they dare walk through their local parks or towns, which are strewn with nitrous oxide canisters, people taking drugs and begging.
Braverman told parliament that the “tools”, Sunak mentioned in his speech, will be delivered in the form of an Anti-Social Behaviour Action Plan – and from the language used in their speeches, it seems they will be used to target struggling individuals.
She went on to specify different policies that would come into place, including the following:
- The possession of nitrous oxide will become a criminal offence
- Evictions are to be handed out as a result of antisocial behaviours.
- Police are to be given further powers to test criminals, who are involved in violence against women and antisocial behaviour, for a wider range of drugs.
Inflammatory, Divisive and Stigmatising Language
They think this Anti-Social Behavioural Plan will make us feel reassured that our streets will become safer – but I feel confused and angry.
I am surrounded by people who are dependent on drugs and by people who are in recovery. Some of the people I love most in the world are being tarnished by the leaders of the UK. They want a scapegoat – another group of people to add to their blame list. However, the blame lies at their own feet, as they continue to ignore the evidence that their approach to drugs is harmful.
“Othering them, reducing them to criminals and turning them into the villains.”
What happened to Sunak wanting everyone to experience the feeling of belonging? Rather than bringing communities together, he is pushing vulnerable people to the outskirts. Othering them, reducing them to criminals and turning them into villains.
Using inflammatory, divisive and stigmatising language is a common strategy of this current government. A very specific and unforgiving picture of addiction has been purposefully interlaced with antisocial behaviours throughout both of the Conservative MP’s speeches. It lacks an understanding of the nuances of addiction and most of all it lacks compassion.
Who are the vulnerable people?
As Braverman’s speech went on, it took a confusing turn. She said the action plan would replace the Vagrancy Act “which criminalised the destitute.” She explained that the new Anti-Social Behaviour Plan will ensure vulnerable people are directed towards support services.
Fellow Conservative MP, Nickie Aiken, tried to clarify the plan, as she said: it “is not about bringing back the Vagrancy Act through the back door, the action plan is to ensure that those in need, who are begging on the street, will get the services they need because the vast majority are suffering from mental health and addiction problems.”
But the MP for Cities of London and Westminster didn’t really come to the rescue at all, her comments only served as evidence that the Vagrancy Act has not been scrapped but rebranded.
Braverman spent the majority of her speech telling us all about how the scary, antisocial, begging, drug-taking criminals will be dealt with. So it raises the question – who does the government actually count as vulnerable? Will the vulnerable people be penalised, given a criminal record and then directed towards a support service?
Lib Dem MP Alistair Carmichael asked why the services don’t already exist, questioning the Home Secretary, he said: “what vulnerable people would find when they get to the point of accessing those services?”
But Braverman completely blanked the question. Instead, she responded with fraud figures.
Criminal or public health approach?
As the session continued, Plaid Cymru MP, Liz Saville Roberts, called for the recognition of problem drug use as “primarily a health issue” and asked for a review of Wales’ devolved powers regarding the responsibility of a drugs policy. But, it looks like the Conservatives want to keep a tight grip on their current criminal approach, despite recommendations for change coming at every turn.
I live in Scotland where we do have devolved powers which have allowed the Scottish Government to take a public health approach to drugs. I have seen the difference it makes to the lives of people affected by drug use and it is a change which should have been implemented across the UK a long time ago.
However, even with devolved powers and a different approach, Scotland has still lost too many lives. Change needs to happen across the whole of the UK, in all sectors, including justice, welfare, education and housing so people and families affected by problematic drug use can get the support they need.
According to the Scottish Affairs Committee’s report “…problem drug use has its roots in a complex mix of poverty and deprivation, stigma, mental health issues, and criminal justice interventions.”
Addressing these issues cuts through both government’s responsibilities, so it has become increasingly frustrating to watch the UK Government’s decisions clash with the changes the Scottish Government are trying to implement.
“The disharmony between governments is dangerous”
The disharmony between governments is dangerous and is echoed across Scotland where the poor partnership is leading to confusion, wasted resources and loss of lives. There is a severe need for improved teamwork between governments and across all sectors of statutory and third-sector services.
Independence
Independence would allow us to take full control of the decisions which affect Scotland. However, with a new First Minister of Scotland only just taking the reigns, we don’t know how long the wait could be. So while we fight for independence, we have to accept the powers we have right now as a devolved nation and we have to do the best with what we have.
The Blame Game
If Rishi Sunak really wants stronger communities and safer streets, it’s time he put the inflammatory, divisive and stigmatising language to bed. Bringing people together, taking time to listen to the experiences of those who are affected by problematic drug use and leading by example, could make a difference and help him achieve his goal.
Blaming vulnerable people, taking a big brush and tarnishing so many, just isn’t the answer. I know for certain, that the people I love, deserve better.
If you or a loved one needs support, here’s a list of places that you could turn to.
SFAAD – a charity which supports Scottish families affected by a loved ones use of drugs.
Crew 2000 – a Scottish harm reduction and outreach charity.
Adfam – an English charity which provides advice for family members and friends.
Dan 24/7 – a Welsh helpline offering information or help relating to drugs or alcohol.
Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and Families Anonymous – fellowships of people seeking support and recovery. Groups meet in person and online.
Featured image of courtesy of Kat Smith. Image license found here. No changes were made to this image.
Siobhan R
Siobhan is a Scottish Freelance Journalist and one of Empoword’s Social Media Managers. Siobhan writes about a range of social justice issues, with a particular focus on domestic abuse, addiction and disability. Through writing, she aims to help people understand each other's experiences, sharing the difficulties they are living through and exploring what can be done to make a difference.