All drug related deaths are preventable and the latest ONS statistics on drug related deaths, the highest since records began, demonstrates the failure of our current drug policy and enforcement-led approach.

The deaths of each of the 5448 people included in the report is a tragedy with each having a devastating impact on the friends, families, and communities of these individuals.

The numbers, however, are unfortunately not surprising. We have continued to block simple, evidence-based and common-sense approaches to reducing harm. We defend ideological approaches to treatment and insist on a one-size-fits-all solution, and we build services and support we know excludes entire communities. With the rise of synthetic opioids and continued disruption to international drug markets, we fear these numbers will form a trend rather than a peak.

Austerity has devastated our sector. It will take years to rebuild the skills, innovation and capacity that has been lost. Now more than ever we need services that provide genuine choice and opportunity. Certainty on the future of funding is essential as we continue to build back services.