Earlier today, I contributed to a debate on the reclassification of the drug Monkey Dust, secured by my constituency neighbour Jack Brereton MP. I am very happy to support Jack's campaign to reclassify it as a Class A drug. This will mean harsher sentences for those supplying the drug and more powers to help the police drive these dangerous drugs off our streets.
Residents will be aware of the horror being caused in Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stoke-on-Trent by Monkey Dust. There have been a number of deaths associated with its use, and a great deal of criminal and anti-social behaviour such as criminal damage and breaking and entering.
Whilst the Minister was responding to the debate, I intervened to highlight the need for the police to focus on our town centres, where people on drugs on the streets. I also mentioned the good work of our Chief Constable of Staffordshire Police, Chris Noble, and Borough Commander of Newcastle-under-Lyme Police, John Owen, who are focussing on anti-social behaviour. We have over £34 million coming to our town centre, but it will not amount to much if people do not feel safe going there.
I was also grateful to Jack for mentioning local campaigner Jonathan (known as Baz) Bailey. Baz sadly took his own life in 2020 having struggled with mental health issues. Baz pressed for Monkey Dust to be reclassified following his efforts to rescue his son from Monkey Dust. He then instigated a campaign to rescue everyone's son and everyone's daughter from it.
The Home Office Minister will be asking the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) to review the classification of Monkey Dust. This is a huge win for Jack and I congratulate him on his hard work on the issue. Once the evaluation has taken place, the Minister will let us know the outcome.
In the meantime, you can sign Jack's petition, to show Government how serious this issue is, here.
You can also watch the full debate here.