LETTER: Street homeless: the last Straw
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.From Ms Alison Dewar
Sir: So Jack Straw wants to reclaim the streets from drug addicts and other "aggressive merchants" ("Straw sets agenda for reclaiming the streets", 5 September).
He would be wise to heed the views of those who work with drug users. The Association of Chief Police Officers in its response earlier this year to the Government's consultation document Tackling Drugs Together called for "the provision of adequate, properly resourced local drugs treatment services which can provide prompt and effective assistance" to those arrested for drug offences.
It cannot be any coincidence that in Greater London, for example, 80 per cent of those using drug treatment services are unemployed. The community benefit will come when policymakers put in place a comprehensive and integrated package of measures including care, treatment, accommodation and jobs for marginalised groups such as drug addicts. Any "get tough" policy without these elements will be ineffective.
Yours faithfully,
Alison Dewar
Head of Communications
Standing Conference on
Drug Abuse
London, SE1
5 September
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments