Government will do ‘whatever it takes’ to clamp down on ketamine use
Commons leader Lucy Powell said many members see the ‘real, dangerous impact’ of ketamine as ministers consider upgrading the drug to class A.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Government will do “whatever it takes” to clamp down on the use of ketamine, a Cabinet minister has told MPs.
Leader of the House of Commons Lucy Powell said many members see the “real, dangerous impact” of increased use of the drug, as ministers seek advice as to whether it should be reclassified as a class A drug.
In the year ending March 2023, an estimated 299,000 people aged 16 to 59 had reported use of the substance, which is currently controlled as class B, according to the Home Office.
Policing minister Dame Diana Johnson will write to the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs to ask whether its classification should be changed and will “carefully consider” its findings.
Labour MP for Bangor Aberconwy, Claire Hughes, told the Commons during Business Questions on Thursday that parents in her constituency are “deeply worried about the prevalence of ketamine” in the community.
She said: “Staff at our local hospital tell me that an increasing number of young people are presenting with serious harm caused by the drug, including life-lasting bladder damage.
“Use of ketamine by young people in the UK is estimated to have tripled since 2016 so I was really pleased to read this week that the policing minister has sought advice on upgrading ketamine.
“Will the Leader of the House join me in condemning criminals who peddle drugs to children, such as ketamine, and grant a debate on the important issue of tackling drug use among young people?”
We will do whatever it takes to clamp down on the growth of use of ketamine
Ms Powell replied: “I think many of us see the real, dangerous impact of the rise in use of ketamine across our constituents and with young people.
“She has raised, and she’s mentioned the action that has been taken by government ministers, and we will do whatever it takes to clamp down on the growth of use of ketamine.”
The Home Office cited recent reports suggesting the substance is often found in so-called “pink cocaine”, a synthetic cocktail of drugs.
The maximum penalty for producing and supplying ketamine is up to 14 years in prison.