I AM writing to express my support for Mr Cowan, MP, and his unwavering commitment to playing such a huge part in reducing unnecessary drug-related deaths, not only within his own constituency but also across our entire nation.

Mr Cowan's dedication to this cause is a testament to his genuine concern for the wellbeing of his constituents and all those affected by addiction.

It is disheartening to witness baseless accusations, such as those levied by Mr Wright in the Greenock Telegraph Postbag on September 18.

These accusations suggest that Mr Cowan's advocacy for drug policy reform is solely driven by a desire to garner votes, resembling some well-connected opportunistic political hack.

I know from personal experience that Mr Cowan’s motivations are rooted in compassion and a steadfast belief that reforming drug policies is the right course of action.

Mr Cowan's comprehensive approach to drug policy reform, which includes advocating for the decriminalization of drug possession for personal use, is based on evidence and international best practices.

His commitment to reforming the outdated 1971 Misuse of Drugs Act in the UK Parliament demonstrates his dedication to addressing the root causes of addiction and identifying effective solutions.

Mr Cowan's extensive engagement with organisations and individuals affected by drug addiction, coupled with his active participation in UK parliamentary groups dedicated to drug policy reform, illustrates his commitment to understanding the issue from various angles.

His visits to Drug Consumption Rooms (DCRs) in other countries like those in Portugal and Switzerland successfully underscore his determination to find real-world solutions and adopt those best practices.

Furthermore, Mr Cowan's endorsement of harm reduction strategies spotlights his commitment to saving lives and promoting the well-being of individuals grappling with the health crisis almost universally exhibited as drug addiction.

In conclusion, I commend Mr Cowan for his unwavering dedication to advocating for a compassionate and evidence-based approach to drug policy reform.

While we can all tally electoral votes won or lost from newspaper and television pundits, it is impossible to quantify the number of lives that Mr Cowan, in his tenure as our Member of Parliament, has already positively impacted and will continue to do so through his tireless efforts.

He deserves our support and appreciation for his principled stance on this critical issue.

To wit, I pledge my vote to him should Inverclyde be fortunate enough to have Ronnie Cowan as a candidate in the upcoming UK General Election.

Mark Saunders

Port Glasgow