Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Minister Warns of 'Crack Dens' as Labour Targets Greens’ Drug Policy Before Gorton and Denton By‑Election

The dispute has become a by‑election attack line in Gorton and Denton, exposing a split between crime‑first and public‑health approaches to drugs.

Overview

  • Policing minister Sarah Jones called the Greens’ stance "reckless" and claimed it would turn parks and playgrounds into "crack dens," pointing to record Border Force drug seizures cited by the government.
  • Green leader Zack Polanski accused Labour of lying and reiterated a public‑health plan to legalise, regulate and control drugs, arguing the current approach is failing.
  • The Greens’ 2024 manifesto commits to a National Commission on drug law reform, decriminalising personal possession, and exploring a regulated market to cut harm and criminal supply.
  • A Daily Mail report described broader internal Green proposals, including legalising some Class A drugs and partnerships with South American producers, which a Green source said differ from the costed manifesto.
  • Labour warned the Greens’ approach could normalise drug use and cited Oregon’s experience, where overdose deaths rose after decriminalisation, as the parties contest next Thursday’s Gorton and Denton vote.