26 June 2009
LDPF Urges EU Policy Makers to Unite on Drugs Issues
The London Drugs Policy Forum (LDPF) is playing a key role at
the launch of the European Commission’s “European Action on Drugs”
initiative (EAD), a pan-European network of policy makers,
campaigners and anti-drugs organisations which will aim to mobilise
society and raise awareness about drugs within the European
Union.
Hugh Morris, the recently-appointed Chairman of the LDPF will be
giving a speech at the launch of the EAD initiative on 26 June,
International Drugs Day.
Hugh Morris, Chairman of the LDPF said:
“We have long believed that a united approach to tackling
drugs issues is the best way to both raise awareness of
drugs and respond to the problems related to their use. I
am delighted to be working with the European
Commission on action in this crucial area that affects so
many lives."
David Mackintosh, Policy Advisor to the London Drugs Policy
Forum said:
“The LDPF has nearly 20 years experience of tackling drugs
issues and we look forward to sharing our expertise with the EAD.
It is an honour to be asked to speak at its launch which is
recognition of our good practice and hard work with all sections of
our communities to reduce the harm that drugs can cause.”
European Commissioner Vice-President Barrot, responsible for
Justice, Freedom and Security, said:
"Urging European organisations and citizens to play an active
role, is one of the priorities stated by the new 'EU Drugs Action
Plan (2009-2012)', of which the EAD is one of the key actions. With
the EAD, we are reaching out to Europeans in their everyday lives,
by providing them with the means of expressing their views and
committing to action"
The EAD aims to build on the principle of 'shared
responsibility', and encourage everyone – whether groups or
individuals, professionals, or just an ordinary member of society –
to sign a pledge and undertake a commitment that addresses the
drugs problem in some way. Already more than 20 groups have signed
the pledge including LDPF. Individuals and organisations have the
opportunity to make use of the EAD, thus adding a European
dimension and visibility to their work, by exploring how their
daily activities, social responsibilities and environment could
increase awareness and commitment in relation to drugs and the
risks related to drug abuse.
Ends
Notes to editors:
About the LDPF: The London Drug Policy Forum
(LDPF) assists, supports and advises policy makers on drug issues
affecting the capital to promote good practice on education and
prevention, community safety and improving services for drug users.
The LDPF is core funded by the City of London Corporation.
The LDPF has been making an important contribution to policy
development associated with drug use since 1991. Over this period
it has also developed a number of resources to help support
local delivery, especially within London. In recent years the
profile of the LDPF has increased significantly.
The Forum works with a wide range of partners including central
and regional government, local authority bodies, voluntary sector
agencies, community groups as well as the private sector and
business groups. The Forum also acts as host for overseas visitors
who wish to learn more about UK drug policy. For example it has
hosted the Anti Narcotics Minister from Afghanistan (at the request
of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office) as well as representatives
from the USA and Europe.
About drug taking in Europe: Did you know that
around 12 million people in the EU take, or have at some time
taken, cocaine? Did you know that on average one EU citizen dies
every hour of an overdose? Did you know that they are 7,000 to
8,000 drug induced deaths in Europe every year? Faced with this
serious drug problem the European Commission launched today a new
awareness and information initiative the European
Action on Drugs (EAD), with its primary goal to
mobilize society and raise awareness about drugs within the
European Union.
About the City of London Corporation: The City
of London Corporation supports and promotes the Square Mile as the
world’s leading international financial and business centre and
provides local government and police services for workers,
residents and visitors. It also provides valued services to London
and the nation as a whole including management of Guildhall Art
Gallery, the Barbican Centre, the Central Criminal Court at Old
Bailey, 10,700 acres/4,240 hectares of open space (including
Hampstead Heath and Epping Forest), three wholesale food markets
and acts as London’s Port Health Authority. Hampstead Heath and
Epping Forest), three wholesale food markets and acts as London’s
Port Health Authority.
Press Enquiries
For further information please contact:
Susanna Howard
Tel: 020 7332 3450
susanna.howard@cityoflondon.gov.uk