Support for the Anti-Stigma Network

That this House recognises that people harmed by drug and alcohol use should be treated fairly, justly and with dignity; further recognises that they are, however, frequently dehumanised, marginalised and discriminated against; acknowledges that negative preconceptions and stereotypes present a major obstacle to people accessing harm-reduction and recovery services; welcomes the recent launch of the Anti-Stigma Network, whose mission is to improve understanding of the stigma and discrimination experienced by many people harmed by drug and alcohol use; applauds the commitment of the NHS Addictions Provider Alliance and all individuals and organisations collaborating in this initiative; believes this represents a major step forward in fighting stigma and saving lives; and calls on the Government to support the efforts of the Anti-Stigma Network and all those challenging stigma, thereby helping to remove barriers to treatment and to reduce the record level of drug and alcohol deaths across the UK.