SNP Minister's Controversial Comparison Between Addiction and Independence Campaign
Maree Todd, the Scottish National Party minister responsible for tackling Scotland's devastating drug deaths crisis, has ignited a political firestorm by drawing parallels between the struggles of addicts and her party's campaign for independence. During a remarkable interview on the Royal College of General Practitioners Scotland podcast, the Minister for Drugs and Alcohol Policy made several eyebrow-raising statements that have drawn sharp criticism from opposition politicians and recovery advocates.
"I Do Actually Really Love Drugs"
While attempting to explain her background in pharmacology and her passion for her ministerial role, Todd made the startling admission: "I spent 20 years working as a mental health pharmacist. Having got back into this job, I've realised, gosh, I do actually really love drugs. I'm interested in them." The minister has since defended these remarks as "candid responses" intended to demonstrate her enthusiasm for the position.
More controversially, Todd compared the journey of recovering addicts to the SNP's political ambitions, stating: "I suppose one of the reasons I love this job... and if you think about my politics, I'm somebody who wants a profound change for Scotland. I want a different kind of country. And there are certainly times when I think: 'Oh my goodness, that's a tough gig. Maybe it's not going to happen.'"
Recovery as Political Metaphor
The minister elaborated on her comparison, suggesting that witnessing people overcome addiction gives her hope for political change: "Well, there's nothing more exciting than spending time with people in recovery, who have been in the absolute depths of despair, where continuing looked impossible, never mind change. And – bang – they've done it, and their lives have been transformed. So never lose that hope."
These comments have been met with outrage from opposition figures and recovery experts who argue that such comparisons trivialize the life-and-death struggles of those battling substance abuse. Scottish Conservative drugs spokeswoman Annie Wells condemned the remarks, stating: "To draw parallels between vulnerable Scots battling addiction and the SNP's obsession with breaking up the United Kingdom is utterly crass. Under the Nationalists, Scotland is facing a drugs-death emergency, with fatality rates still the worst in Europe."
Scotland's Drug Deaths Crisis
The controversy comes against the backdrop of Scotland's ongoing drug deaths emergency. Official statistics reveal that in 2024 alone, 1,017 Scots died from drug-related causes. This represents a mortality rate more than double that of England and Wales and approximately eight times the European average.
Annemarie Ward, chief executive of the recovery charity Faces & Voices Of Recovery (FAVORUK), criticized the minister's approach, emphasizing: "The independence people need in order to get recovery is freedom from dependence on drugs. Recovery is not a slogan or a national mood, it's a measurable outcome for real people and families. Families don't need a minister fascinated by drugs. They need one relentlessly focused on helping people escape them."
Political and Policy Context
Todd was appointed to her ministerial role in June of last year, tasked with reducing Scotland's alarming narcotics fatalities. Her comments have drawn attention to the SNP's record on drug policy, including their recent voting down of the Right to Addiction Recovery (Scotland) Bill. This proposed legislation, developed with input from FAVORUK, would have established a legal right to rehabilitation services.
In a statement defending her podcast remarks, Todd maintained: "I was really pleased to record the podcast and I gave very candid responses which I hope help people to understand why I'm so passionate about this job. My previous job as a pharmacist has helped me understand the challenges we face in responding to a complex and increasingly toxic drug supply and variety of substances, including highly dangerous synthetic opioids like nitazenes."
The minister's unconventional approach to discussing her portfolio continues to generate debate about appropriate language and priorities in addressing one of Scotland's most pressing public health crises.
