Community / Greens to discuss alternative drugs policy at public event
THE LOCAL branch of the Scottish Greens will present a different perspective on the ‘War on Drugs’ later this month as part of their This is Democracy series of public events.
The meeting at the Islesburgh Community Centre in Lerwick on Friday 20 June (7pm to 9pm) will hear from Neil Woods, an ex-undercover police officer who is now working on drug policy reform.
After more than a decade on the frontline of the drugs on war, during which he risked his life infiltrating drug gangs, he came to realise the futility of Britain’s prohibitionist drugs laws and he left the police.
He now is a member of LEAP – the Law Enforcement Action Partnership, which campaigns for a community led criminal justice reform.
An author of two books on the issue, Woods will discuss his views at the Keeping Shetland Safe? – Exposing the ‘War on Drugs’ event which will also include a Q&A session.
Green councillor Alex Armitage said: “Neil is an expert and has been instrumental in helping to develop the Greens’ drugs policy in recent years.
“He has a unique experience and a powerful perspective. I’m absolutely delighted that he’s coming to Shetland and I’m looking forward to hearing him speak and to facilitating the discussion.”
He added: “Democracy is more than just voting in elections every four or five years. Real democracy happens when people gather together, discuss their views and decide how society should be run.
“As Greens, we care about deepening our democracy and we want to take people’s discussions to the places of power where decisions are made.”
Those unable to attend in person will be able to join online here.
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