Skip to main content
Work with the NEU
Shadow health secretary says party would enact ‘social responsibility levy’ to tackle drug addiction
Scottish Labour's shadow health secretary Monica Lennon

SCOTTISH LABOUR would enact a “social responsibility levy” to tackle alcohol and drugs misuse, shadow health secretary Monica Lennon announced at the party’s annual conference today.

Referencing the ongoing drugs crisis in host city Dundee, which has the highest number of narcotic-related deaths in Europe, Ms Lennon said she would use powers under the Alcohol Scotland Act 2010 to raise revenue for investment in tackling health inequalities.

Scottish Labour research found that a levy of £0.022 per unit of alcohol could raise more than £100 million a year.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
STUC delegates
Voices of Scotland / 31 August 2026
31 August 2026

ANN HENDERSON looks at the centenary of the foundation of the STUC women’s committee, and the challenges facing women in the trade unions today

Labour MSP Monica Lennon at the Protect The Right To Strike rally organised by the STUC, at the Donald Dewar Steps on Buchanan Street, Glasgow, February 1, 2023
Scotland / 12 August 2026
12 August 2026
Monica Lennon
Leadership battle / 9 August 2026
9 August 2026
Kate Clark
Scottish Labour leadership / 3 August 2026
3 August 2026