Ahead of the upcoming national lobby day, your elected Student Officers have officially written to MPs who represent UWE students to demand a national shift toward a compassionate, public health-based approach to drug policy.
As a Students’ Union, we are committed to the safety and welfare of our 30,000+ members. We know that students thrive best when they are supported rather than penalised. This is why we are proud of partnership with UWE Bristol and our sector-leading Harm Reduction Policy, which prioritises health, education, and access to support services over punitive, disciplinary measures.
The annual Anyone's Child lobby day brings together families, activists, and experts at Parliament to demand a systemic shift away from the punitive rationale of the current drug laws toward a compassionate, evidence-based public health approach that prioritises lives over criminalisation.
In our letters to MPs, we have shared how this evidence-based approach is transforming our campus culture. By moving away from the fear of criminalisation, we are creating an environment where students feel safer seeking help when they need it most.
You can read the letter here.
It was sent to:
karin.smyth.mp@parliament.uk
claire.hazelgrove.mp@parliament.uk
damien.egan.mp@parliament.uk
james.murray.mp@parliament.uk
How you can support the campaign Real change requires collective action. Please consider contacting your own MP to share your support for harm reduction: https://members.parliament.uk/members/commons
You can find resources, templates, and guidance on how to email your MP ahead of the lobby day via the Anyone’s Child campaign page.
Read more about our commitment to student safety and our current approach to drugs and alcohol on our Support & Advice page.