Its decentralized government Scotland today outlined proposals to decriminalize the possession of all drugs for personal use, stressing that such a move would help tackle the highest death rate from drug use which Scotland holds in Europe.

The government in Edinburgh said the measures would have to be implemented by the British government in London, which decides on issues such as regulatory frameworks around drug use.

The Scottish Government stressed that the move would allow people with a problematic relationship with drugs to receive treatment and support rather than being treated as criminals, and give those in recovery better opportunities to find work.

“While we know these proposals will spark controversy, they are consistent with our approach to public health and will advance our national mission to improve and save lives.” said Scotland’s Minister for Drug Policy, Elena Witham.

“We are working hard within the powers we have to reduce drug-related deaths, and while we need to do more, our approach simply flies in the face of the Westminster legislation within which we are required to operate.”he added.

A spokesman for British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak ruled out any change, saying: “There are no plans to change our tough stance on drugs.”

The ruling Scottish National Party, which wants Scotland to become an independent country, has also clashed with the British government over a proposed gender recognition reform law.

With 327 deaths per million population, Scotland had the highest drug-related death rate in Europe in 2020, a long way from Norway’s second-highest rate of 85 deaths per million, according to official statistics.

While drugs are illegal in much of the world, some countries have decriminalized various forms of drug possession, with health experts arguing it would allow those who abuse or are addicted to drugs to be treated as patients rather than as criminals.