Bristol declared ‘city of harm reduction’ as Greens seek less punitive drug policy

Councillors pass motion that paves way to setting up drugs-consumption facility where users can be helped and treated

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Bristol has been formally declared a “city of harm reduction”, with local politicians pledging to focus on helping and treating users of illegal drugs rather than punishing them.

Green councillors, who lead the city council, said the declaration was a clear signal that public health rather than criminal justice solutions were needed to tackle the UK’s growing drugs crisis.