Thank you for contacting me about the Salvation Army's campaign on support for people affected by substance misuse and drug addiction.
In recent years, reducing drug misuse deaths caused by opioids has become a major priority. Regulation has been introduced and updated to expand access to the drug Naloxone, which has proven effective in treating opioid overdoses.
I welcome the current Government's decision to follow this direction and allow more named professionals and services to supply Naloxone without a prescription. However, I recognise that more needs to be done to raise awareness, with the Salvation Army estimating that only 14 per cent of the public are currently aware of Naloxone.
In December 2025, the Government published a consultation on proposals whether to allow hostels, day centres and outreach services for people experiencing homelessness to supply naloxone without a prescription. The consultation concluded in March 2026, and I understand that the Government is analysing the responses.
It is also important that Ministers build on and implement the measures in the 10-year drugs strategy published under the last Government in 2022.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
