Emma Roddick MSP slams Tories’ “punitive” approach to addiction

Emma Roddick MSP has criticised what she calls Conservative colleagues’ “punitive” and “stigmatising” approach to dealing with crime and justice.

Speaking in the Scottish Parliament during a debate led by Elena Whitham MSP on alcohol use in the justice system, Ms Roddick, who represents the Highlands and Islands, argued for a more compassionate and evidence-based strategy.

The debate centred on a recent Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (SHAAP) report, which highlighted that almost two-thirds, 63%, of people in prison have an alcohol use disorder, with almost half of those, 31%, possibly dependent on alcohol.

Ms Roddick said:

“We need to be honest about the impact of stigma. It fuels addiction, particularly for those in prison or trying to rebuild their lives after release.

“The kind of language we heard before the debate at First Minister’s Questions, calling for harsher prison conditions, simply doesn’t help. Making prison more punitive won’t reduce crime or make our communities safer. It certainly won’t help victims or their families.

“If you do not take the opportunity to address harmful alcohol use while people are inside, evidence tells us they are going to struggle on the outside and, more likely than not, end up back in prison having committed more crime.

“It’s not soft justice to address the root causes of addiction. As Elena Whitham so rightly put it, it’s smart justice. Locking people in a cycle of addiction and crime benefits absolutely no one. We know what drives these problems, and we need to focus on solutions that actually work.

“In the Highlands and Islands, we understand the complexities of addiction. We see the impact on individuals, families, and communities. We need a justice system that offers support and rehabilitation, not just punishment. That’s how we’ll break the cycle and create a safer, healthier Scotland.”