SCOTLAND'S drugs deaths figures for 2022 were published on Tuesday – and while the situation across the country is improving, the situation in Inverclyde has worsened compared to 2021.

The figures, published by National Records of Scotland, found that 1,051 people in Scotland died due to drug misuse in 2022, a decrease of 279 deaths (21 per cent) compared with previous year and the lowest annual total since 2017.

This suggests that the efforts being taken by the Scottish Government is saving lives – but I welcome the fact that the Minister for Drugs and Alcohol Policy has said that we must not underestimate the scale of the challenge we continue to face, including responding to new threats such as synthetic opioids and stimulant use.

Every person lost to drugs is a tragedy and I offer my sincere condolences to the families and friends of those who have passed.

Local drugs deaths halved from 33 in 2020 to 16 in 2021. I had hoped this was the beginning of a downward trend but with the figures rising to 29 in 2022, it would seem this reduction was an outlier.

I recognise that Inverclyde’s Alcohol and Drug Recovery Service has undergone change in recent years and that partnership working with the third sector and amongst the third sector has improved significantly, but this progress is not yet delivering the results that our community needs.

Tackling drugs deaths requires all levels of government to work together, which is why I’ll be writing to the Drugs Minister to ask her to meet with Inverclyde Council and Inverclyde HSCP urgently.

Our area clearly requires further intervention or resource to respond to this challenge, yet as always, it’s hugely disappointing that the UK Government is reluctant to work with the Scottish Government to help introduce other harm reduction measures.

I never want to see drug deaths used as a political football, as these deaths represent lives lost, potential lost, families and friends needlessly hurt,and communities needlessly devastated.

However, if we’re to save more lives, all those responsible for policy, treatment and services need to seriously consider whether their decisions are either helping or hindering this important task.

On a separate matter, on Tuesday evening I was invited to attend the Presentation of Queens Badge Certificates to local Boys’ Brigade members by HM Lord Lieutenant of Renfrewshire.

This was a excellent occasion once again for the young men and their families, so it was special to be a part of that. The sense of community, friendships and life skills that the BB has given boys and men across Inverclyde, and Scotland as a whole, is hugely positive. I wish all those who were presented with a certificate all the best for the future.