In Europe’s drug death capital, politicians plead for new powers to stem the tide

But the devolved Scottish government is up against the limits of its powers, with Westminster refusing to relax the law that prevents Scotland immediately setting up consumption rooms.

Sturgeon's government does in fact hold specific powers to introduce drug intervention measures, as all health policy is devolved to Scotland. However, the Westminster government argues that setting up consumption facilities would break existing law, and specifically the Misuse of Drugs Act — a piece of legislation that is reserved to the U.K.

The implication is that any Scot working in or using a consumption room could be arrested and prosecuted.

"We have no plans to introduce drug consumption rooms, and anyone running them would be committing a range of offences including possession of a controlled drug and being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug," a U.K. Home Office spokesperson said.

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