The Conservative government in Britain announced today that nitrous oxide, or ‘laughing gas’, a substance in increasing demand, will soon be banned.

Housing and Communities Secretary Michael Gove announced the nitrous oxide ban today speaking to Sky News.

“Everyone who has had the opportunity to walk in the parks of our big cities has seen these little silver containers,” he said.

Users “not only loot public spaces, but also take a drug that can have a psychological and neurological effect and that contributes to anti-social behaviour,” the minister added.

“That’s why we need to curb new drug use and these laughing gas canisters are a growing scourge,” continued Michael Gove.

The government wants sales of these containers to be “restricted to appropriate purposes”. Nitrous oxide is indeed used in the medical field as an anesthetic as well as in kitchen sinks.

The European Monitoring Center for Drugs and Drug Addiction sounded the alarm in November after an “alarming” increase in the recreational use of nitrous oxide in some parts of Europe.

Its increasing demand, especially among the youth, is due to its availability and low price. The gas is estimated to be in demand for its brief psychoactive effects — lasting three to four minutes — when inhaled.

In the Netherlands, the possession and sale of nitrous oxide has been banned since January 1st.

Britain’s Prime Minister, Conservative Rishi Sunak, will announce measures to combat petty crime on Monday.

Offenders sentenced to community service are required to clean up their own graffiti within 48 hours. Offenders will, under the bill, wear highly visible overalls or jackets while serving their sentence, which could include washing police cars.

The Conservative government, which is at its lowest point in the polls against Labour, is ramping up statements on security and immigration ahead of local elections in May.