LEAP UK
@ukleap.bsky.social
We’re LEAP UK, part of Law Enforcement Action Partnership. Working together with communities for social justice solutions.
This, from Canada, says a lot. It’s also representative of most countries and regions.
‘Commissioner releases statement on toxic drug crisis, calls on government to put politics aside to save lives’
bchumanrights.ca/news-and-eve...
‘Commissioner releases statement on toxic drug crisis, calls on government to put politics aside to save lives’
bchumanrights.ca/news-and-eve...
Commissioner releases statement on toxic drug crisis, calls on government to put politics aside to save lives | BC's Office of the Human Rights Commissioner
Commissioner releases statement on toxic drug crisis, calls on government to put politics aside to save lives
bchumanrights.ca
November 26, 2025 at 3:41 PM
This, from Canada, says a lot. It’s also representative of most countries and regions.
‘Commissioner releases statement on toxic drug crisis, calls on government to put politics aside to save lives’
bchumanrights.ca/news-and-eve...
‘Commissioner releases statement on toxic drug crisis, calls on government to put politics aside to save lives’
bchumanrights.ca/news-and-eve...
A look at the left-leaning parties and the pledge to reform drug laws. The Green Party are pushing forward with actual policy proposals and the Lib Dems historically have been progressive but what about other left-leaning parties?
novaramedia.com/2025/11/03/z... by Kojo Koram
novaramedia.com/2025/11/03/z... by Kojo Koram
Zack Polanski Has Pledged to Legalise Drugs. So Should All Leftwing Leaders | Novara Media
The left in Britain has mostly kept shtum about drugs, even though their criminalisation is inextricably linked to several of its key issues. The Green leader is finally breaking the silence, writes K...
novaramedia.com
November 24, 2025 at 2:23 PM
A look at the left-leaning parties and the pledge to reform drug laws. The Green Party are pushing forward with actual policy proposals and the Lib Dems historically have been progressive but what about other left-leaning parties?
novaramedia.com/2025/11/03/z... by Kojo Koram
novaramedia.com/2025/11/03/z... by Kojo Koram
“England’s Children’s Commissioner, Dame Rachel de Souza, has called for the immediate closure of all young offender institutions (YOIs), warning that youth custody has become a ‘holding pen’ for children failed by the state...”
www.thejusticegap.com/a-holding-pe... via @justicegap.bsky.social
www.thejusticegap.com/a-holding-pe... via @justicegap.bsky.social
A holding pen for failure: Children’s commissioner urges closure of child prisons – The Justice Gap
www.thejusticegap.com
November 19, 2025 at 3:26 PM
“England’s Children’s Commissioner, Dame Rachel de Souza, has called for the immediate closure of all young offender institutions (YOIs), warning that youth custody has become a ‘holding pen’ for children failed by the state...”
www.thejusticegap.com/a-holding-pe... via @justicegap.bsky.social
www.thejusticegap.com/a-holding-pe... via @justicegap.bsky.social
‘Searches for lorazepam surged after release of The White Lotus, data shows’
“Third series of TV drama spiked interest in anti-anxiety drug amid warnings over illicit production of ‘benzos’”
www.theguardian.com/science/2025...
“Third series of TV drama spiked interest in anti-anxiety drug amid warnings over illicit production of ‘benzos’”
www.theguardian.com/science/2025...
Searches for lorazepam surged after release of The White Lotus, data shows
Third series of TV drama spiked interest in anti-anxiety drug amid warnings over illicit production of ‘benzos’
www.theguardian.com
November 17, 2025 at 2:44 PM
‘Searches for lorazepam surged after release of The White Lotus, data shows’
“Third series of TV drama spiked interest in anti-anxiety drug amid warnings over illicit production of ‘benzos’”
www.theguardian.com/science/2025...
“Third series of TV drama spiked interest in anti-anxiety drug amid warnings over illicit production of ‘benzos’”
www.theguardian.com/science/2025...
Interesting news that the role of Police and Crime Commissioner is to be abolished, with it stated by the current Home Secretary that it has been “a failed experiment”.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Police and crime commissioners to be abolished
Home secretary says PCCs, in England and Wales, were ‘failed experiment’ – and scrapping them will save £100m over this parliament
www.theguardian.com
November 13, 2025 at 3:48 PM
Interesting news that the role of Police and Crime Commissioner is to be abolished, with it stated by the current Home Secretary that it has been “a failed experiment”.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
‘Black Londoners nearly three times more likely to be strip searched than white suspects’
www.standard.co.uk/news/london/...
www.standard.co.uk/news/london/...
Black Londoners nearly three times more likely to be strip searched
Met Police accused of discriminatory practices as force remains under scrutiny after strip search of 15-year-old Child Q at school in east London
www.standard.co.uk
October 23, 2025 at 2:39 PM
‘Black Londoners nearly three times more likely to be strip searched than white suspects’
www.standard.co.uk/news/london/...
www.standard.co.uk/news/london/...
Cocaine carnage is coming to Britain
Budget blow has exploded beyond control
www.newstatesman.com
October 8, 2025 at 1:30 PM
“Deaths involving ketamine have increased twenty-fold since 2014, according to research by King’s College London, the University of Hertfordshire and Manchester Metropolitan University.”
www.drinkanddrugsnews.com/ketamine-dea...
www.drinkanddrugsnews.com/ketamine-dea...
Ketamine deaths increase twenty-fold in a decade - Drink and Drugs News
Deaths involving ketamine have increased twenty-fold since 2014, according to research by King’s College London, the University of Hertfordshire and Manchester Metropolitan University.
www.drinkanddrugsnews.com
September 30, 2025 at 1:43 PM
“Deaths involving ketamine have increased twenty-fold since 2014, according to research by King’s College London, the University of Hertfordshire and Manchester Metropolitan University.”
www.drinkanddrugsnews.com/ketamine-dea...
www.drinkanddrugsnews.com/ketamine-dea...
‘US war on “narco-terrorists” violates the right to life, warn UN experts after deadly vessel strike’
www.ohchr.org/en/press-rel...
www.ohchr.org/en/press-rel...
US war on “narco-terrorists” violates the right to life, warn UN experts after deadly vessel strike
GENEVA – UN experts* today condemned the extrajudicial execution by the United States of 11 people when it sank a civilian vessel in the Caribbean Sea on 2 September 2025, and three people on another ...
www.ohchr.org
September 29, 2025 at 1:09 PM
‘US war on “narco-terrorists” violates the right to life, warn UN experts after deadly vessel strike’
www.ohchr.org/en/press-rel...
www.ohchr.org/en/press-rel...
“All door staff should carry life-saving drug”
‘A door supervisor has said a life-saving drug should be carried as standard by security staff, after he helped a man during an overdose’
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
‘A door supervisor has said a life-saving drug should be carried as standard by security staff, after he helped a man during an overdose’
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Sheffield doorman says all security staff should carry naloxone
Sheffield doorman Charlie Smith says all security workers should be trained to administer naloxone.
www.bbc.co.uk
September 26, 2025 at 1:43 PM
“All door staff should carry life-saving drug”
‘A door supervisor has said a life-saving drug should be carried as standard by security staff, after he helped a man during an overdose’
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
‘A door supervisor has said a life-saving drug should be carried as standard by security staff, after he helped a man during an overdose’
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
‘Thousands of opioid deaths missed off official figures’
More than 13,000 heroin and opioid deaths have been missed off official statistics in England and Wales, raising concerns about the impact on the government's approach to tackling addiction.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
More than 13,000 heroin and opioid deaths have been missed off official statistics in England and Wales, raising concerns about the impact on the government's approach to tackling addiction.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Thousands of opioid deaths missed off official figures - BBC News
The error - affecting England and Wales - raises concerns about the impact on the government's approach to drug deaths.
www.bbc.co.uk
September 16, 2025 at 4:27 PM
‘Thousands of opioid deaths missed off official figures’
More than 13,000 heroin and opioid deaths have been missed off official statistics in England and Wales, raising concerns about the impact on the government's approach to tackling addiction.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
More than 13,000 heroin and opioid deaths have been missed off official statistics in England and Wales, raising concerns about the impact on the government's approach to tackling addiction.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
‘Health, Not Handcuffs, Are the Path to Ending Opioid Crisis’
“Drug addiction does not exist in a vacuum. It stems from underlying trauma and mental health issues, which require proper treatment to manage.”
www.newsweek.com/health-not-h...
“Drug addiction does not exist in a vacuum. It stems from underlying trauma and mental health issues, which require proper treatment to manage.”
www.newsweek.com/health-not-h...
Health, Not Handcuffs, Are the Path to Ending Opioid Cris...
Every overdose death is preventable. It's time to end the war on drugs and begin a new chapter.
www.newsweek.com
September 16, 2025 at 1:36 PM
‘Health, Not Handcuffs, Are the Path to Ending Opioid Crisis’
“Drug addiction does not exist in a vacuum. It stems from underlying trauma and mental health issues, which require proper treatment to manage.”
www.newsweek.com/health-not-h...
“Drug addiction does not exist in a vacuum. It stems from underlying trauma and mental health issues, which require proper treatment to manage.”
www.newsweek.com/health-not-h...
‘Ukrainian Government adopts National Drug Policy Strategy until 2030 and approves its implementation plan’
idpc.net/news/2025/09...
idpc.net/news/2025/09...
Ukrainian Government adopts National Drug Policy Strategy until 2030 and approves its implementation plan
Ukraine has approved a new National Drug Policy strategy, which aims to improve access to controlled medicines, expand harm reduction programmes, and provide support to marginalized populations.
idpc.net
September 12, 2025 at 1:18 PM
‘Ukrainian Government adopts National Drug Policy Strategy until 2030 and approves its implementation plan’
idpc.net/news/2025/09...
idpc.net/news/2025/09...
‘Half of Guernsey's deputies support decriminalising cannabis, according to research by the BBC.’
“Eleven of the island's 38 politicians have said they are either undecided on the issue, or will wait to see any proposals before making a decision.”
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
“Eleven of the island's 38 politicians have said they are either undecided on the issue, or will wait to see any proposals before making a decision.”
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Cannabis decriminalisation backed by half of Guernsey's deputies
A major review is under way looking at reforming the island's drug laws.
www.bbc.co.uk
September 11, 2025 at 1:24 PM
‘Half of Guernsey's deputies support decriminalising cannabis, according to research by the BBC.’
“Eleven of the island's 38 politicians have said they are either undecided on the issue, or will wait to see any proposals before making a decision.”
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
“Eleven of the island's 38 politicians have said they are either undecided on the issue, or will wait to see any proposals before making a decision.”
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
‘Scottish drug deaths fall but remain worst in Europe’
We need to do so much more. If we’re serious about saving lives then we need drastic changes to policies and attitudes.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
We need to do so much more. If we’re serious about saving lives then we need drastic changes to policies and attitudes.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Scottish drug deaths fall but remain worst in Europe
The number of drug deaths is expected to have dropped slightly, but experts warn that any fall will most likely be a blip.
www.bbc.co.uk
September 2, 2025 at 2:45 PM
‘Scottish drug deaths fall but remain worst in Europe’
We need to do so much more. If we’re serious about saving lives then we need drastic changes to policies and attitudes.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
We need to do so much more. If we’re serious about saving lives then we need drastic changes to policies and attitudes.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Crucial study & findings released regarding the hotly contested decriminalisation process in Oregon:
“many claimed that Measure 110 was responsible for rising crime and overdose deaths. However, our findings offer little to no support for those claims,”
www.pdx.edu/news/psu-res...
“many claimed that Measure 110 was responsible for rising crime and overdose deaths. However, our findings offer little to no support for those claims,”
www.pdx.edu/news/psu-res...
PSU Researchers Release Final Report in Landmark Project Exploring Impacts of Measure 110 Decriminalization
Portland State University researchers have released the final findings in a three-year project examining the impacts of multiple drug policy shifts including Measure 110 which decriminalized drug poss...
www.pdx.edu
August 12, 2025 at 2:40 PM
Crucial study & findings released regarding the hotly contested decriminalisation process in Oregon:
“many claimed that Measure 110 was responsible for rising crime and overdose deaths. However, our findings offer little to no support for those claims,”
www.pdx.edu/news/psu-res...
“many claimed that Measure 110 was responsible for rising crime and overdose deaths. However, our findings offer little to no support for those claims,”
www.pdx.edu/news/psu-res...
‘A future on our own terms: The 2025 Support. Don’t Punish Global Day of Action’
This is a wonderful and inspiring roundup of events and advocacy across the globe, collated by @idpc.net
idpc.net/blog/2025/07...
This is a wonderful and inspiring roundup of events and advocacy across the globe, collated by @idpc.net
idpc.net/blog/2025/07...
A future on our own terms: The 2025 Support. Don’t Punish Global Day of Action
For the 2025 Global Day of Action, thousands took action in 262 cities across 80 countries — demanding policies that ensure access to systems of care and support, not punishment.
idpc.net
July 31, 2025 at 2:46 PM
‘A future on our own terms: The 2025 Support. Don’t Punish Global Day of Action’
This is a wonderful and inspiring roundup of events and advocacy across the globe, collated by @idpc.net
idpc.net/blog/2025/07...
This is a wonderful and inspiring roundup of events and advocacy across the globe, collated by @idpc.net
idpc.net/blog/2025/07...
Police-led diversion schemes, what do we know?
In this interview from Ben Twomey for Policing TV, Ben speaks to Matthew Bacon, Senior Criminology Lecturer at Sheffield University.
policing.tv/videos/matth...
In this interview from Ben Twomey for Policing TV, Ben speaks to Matthew Bacon, Senior Criminology Lecturer at Sheffield University.
policing.tv/videos/matth...
Drugs policing and diversion with Matthew Bacon, senior lecturer in criminology.
Does policing exist just to enforce laws, or is it bigger than that? Presenter Ben Twomey is joined by Matthew Bacon, Senior Criminology Lecturer at Sheffield…
policing.tv
July 18, 2025 at 12:38 PM
Police-led diversion schemes, what do we know?
In this interview from Ben Twomey for Policing TV, Ben speaks to Matthew Bacon, Senior Criminology Lecturer at Sheffield University.
policing.tv/videos/matth...
In this interview from Ben Twomey for Policing TV, Ben speaks to Matthew Bacon, Senior Criminology Lecturer at Sheffield University.
policing.tv/videos/matth...
“How can it be possible that seven years have passed since my son Ben died…”
‘Let’s stop judging and start listening.’ By Hilary Mills, a very personal testimony of how our attitudes towards people and drugs impacts families from @anyoneschild.bsky.social
anyoneschild.org/2025/07/how-...
‘Let’s stop judging and start listening.’ By Hilary Mills, a very personal testimony of how our attitudes towards people and drugs impacts families from @anyoneschild.bsky.social
anyoneschild.org/2025/07/how-...
Let's stop judging and start listening
How can it be possible that 7 years have passed
anyoneschild.org
July 17, 2025 at 2:30 PM
“How can it be possible that seven years have passed since my son Ben died…”
‘Let’s stop judging and start listening.’ By Hilary Mills, a very personal testimony of how our attitudes towards people and drugs impacts families from @anyoneschild.bsky.social
anyoneschild.org/2025/07/how-...
‘Let’s stop judging and start listening.’ By Hilary Mills, a very personal testimony of how our attitudes towards people and drugs impacts families from @anyoneschild.bsky.social
anyoneschild.org/2025/07/how-...
“former Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales has criticised his successor for lack of provision of support for offenders who use drugs.”
Arfon Jones, advocate of reform and a member of LEAP continues to make the case for support over punishment:
www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/2529953...
Arfon Jones, advocate of reform and a member of LEAP continues to make the case for support over punishment:
www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/2529953...
Ex-police chief hits out at successor over lack of drug support for offenders
The former Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales has criticised his successor for lack of provision of support for offenders who use drugs.
www.northwalespioneer.co.uk
July 10, 2025 at 1:41 PM
“former Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales has criticised his successor for lack of provision of support for offenders who use drugs.”
Arfon Jones, advocate of reform and a member of LEAP continues to make the case for support over punishment:
www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/2529953...
Arfon Jones, advocate of reform and a member of LEAP continues to make the case for support over punishment:
www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/2529953...
With news this week of senior police officers calling for Class A penalties, here’s a different police perspective from LEAP Scotland representative and former undercover operative, Simon McLean:
‘We’ve talked long enough – change the law on cannabis now’
www.thenational.scot/comment/2529...
‘We’ve talked long enough – change the law on cannabis now’
www.thenational.scot/comment/2529...
We’ve talked long enough – it's time to change the law on cannabis
Discourse on the drug market often centres on the dangers substances pose to our young people
www.thenational.scot
July 9, 2025 at 2:01 PM
With news this week of senior police officers calling for Class A penalties, here’s a different police perspective from LEAP Scotland representative and former undercover operative, Simon McLean:
‘We’ve talked long enough – change the law on cannabis now’
www.thenational.scot/comment/2529...
‘We’ve talked long enough – change the law on cannabis now’
www.thenational.scot/comment/2529...
“LAST week, I had the privilege of attending the Association of Scottish Superintendents Annual Conference, accompanied by my former colleague and retired inspector Ian Andrew.”
'We have to stop criminalising people who need help.’
www.thenational.scot/comment/2521...
'We have to stop criminalising people who need help.’
www.thenational.scot/comment/2521...
'We have to stop criminalising people who need help,' says ex-drug squad officer
LAST week, I had the privilege of attending the Association of Scottish Superintendents Annual Conference, accompanied by my former colleague…
www.thenational.scot
June 18, 2025 at 12:41 PM
“LAST week, I had the privilege of attending the Association of Scottish Superintendents Annual Conference, accompanied by my former colleague and retired inspector Ian Andrew.”
'We have to stop criminalising people who need help.’
www.thenational.scot/comment/2521...
'We have to stop criminalising people who need help.’
www.thenational.scot/comment/2521...
We’re in a state of shock and grief to learn of the passing of Peter, a friend of us here and someone we’ve worked with many times.
Rest well Peter - you’ve most certainly earned that rest.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Rest well Peter - you’ve most certainly earned that rest.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Drugs campaigner Peter Krykant dies, aged 48
Peter Krykant, a former addict, set up a supervised facility from a van which he took around Glasgow.
www.bbc.co.uk
June 11, 2025 at 6:59 PM
We’re in a state of shock and grief to learn of the passing of Peter, a friend of us here and someone we’ve worked with many times.
Rest well Peter - you’ve most certainly earned that rest.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Rest well Peter - you’ve most certainly earned that rest.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
‘Rough sleeping to finally be decriminalised with scrapping of 'cruel' 200-year law.
The Labour government has pledged to scrap the Vagrancy Act which has criminalised rough sleeping since the Napoleonic Wars in 2026’
www.bigissue.com/news/housing...
The Labour government has pledged to scrap the Vagrancy Act which has criminalised rough sleeping since the Napoleonic Wars in 2026’
www.bigissue.com/news/housing...
Rough sleeping is finally being decriminalised after 200 years
The Vagrancy Act that has criminalised rough sleeping in England and Wales for more than 200 years is finally set to be scrapped in 2026.
www.bigissue.com
June 11, 2025 at 1:52 PM
‘Rough sleeping to finally be decriminalised with scrapping of 'cruel' 200-year law.
The Labour government has pledged to scrap the Vagrancy Act which has criminalised rough sleeping since the Napoleonic Wars in 2026’
www.bigissue.com/news/housing...
The Labour government has pledged to scrap the Vagrancy Act which has criminalised rough sleeping since the Napoleonic Wars in 2026’
www.bigissue.com/news/housing...