One of the most important things you can do is write to your MP.

MPs need to know that constituents feel strongly on this issue and that their involvement will have public support.

1. Here is a template letter which you can copy and paste into an email.

2. You can find your MP’s email address here. Please cc campaign@mda50.org so that we know which MPs have been contacted and remember to add a subject title.

3. Add your own thoughts on why the Misuse of Drugs Act isn’t working, we’ve provided a prompt for you in the template. A more personalised email has a much better chance of getting a response.

4. Include your name and home address in the email. It is parliamentary protocol that MPs respond to their constituents.

From
<Your name and address here>
<Date>

Dear <your MP’s name>

My name is < your name > and I live in your constituency. I am writing to ask you to support a campaign for drug policy reform, marking the 50th anniversary of the Misuse of Drugs Act.

The Misuse of Drugs Act (1971) has turned fifty years old. In that time it has damaged people and communities, undermined science and entrenched social injustice. It is outdated and not fit for purpose.

<Personally, I don’t think the Misuse of Drugs Act is working because…>

The Misuse of Drugs Act was supposed to eliminate illegal drug markets and the harms from drug use. Instead, as the Government’s recent Review of drugs has demonstrated, drug use has risen dramatically and UK drug-related deaths are at record levels. Drugs are getting stronger, the violence linked to drugs is getting worse and many vulnerable young people are being exploited in an illegal market that will not disappear. We need to recognise the urgent need for a new approach that reduces the current drug harms which are exacerbated by the Misuse of Drugs Act.

This campaign is supported by the leading drug policy organisations in the UK, including Transform Drug Policy Foundation; Release; DrugScience; and the Law Enforcement Action Partnership. You can find out more about the campaign here: https://transformdrugs.org/mda-at-50

If you agree that the current approach isn’t working and that we need change, I ask you to support this statement:
The Misuse of Drugs Act (1971) is not fit for purpose. For 50 years, it has failed to reduce drug consumption. Instead it has increased harm, damaged public health and exacerbated social inequalities. Change cannot be delayed any longer. We need reform and new legislation to ensure that future drug policy protects human rights, promotes public health and ensures social justice.

Already more than 50 MPs from across the house support a call for a review. If you agree, please reply to me stating your support. You may also ask further questions about the campaign by emailing campaign@mda50.org or visit https://transformdrugs.org/mda-at-50 to find out more.

I also urge you to read the harrowing stories of the families who campaign with Anyone’s Child: Families for Safer Drug Control, which show the devastating impact of our criminal justice-led approach: www.anyoneschild.org/stories

I look forward to hearing from you to learn your views on this vital issue. I would also be very happy, and grateful, to discuss it with you further.

Yours sincerely

<Your name>
<Your email address>