Port St Mary father continues to fight for change in drug laws

Ray Lakeman's sons Jacques and Torin died in 2014

A Port St Mary father says he is amazed 'nothing has been done' since Tynwald backed new policy principles to look at ways to reduce the harms associated with drug use.

The decision was taken in November last year. 

You can find out more HERE.

This week marks 11 years since Ray Lakeman's sons, Jacques and Torin, were found dead in a room in Bolton due to an MDMA overdose; they’d purchased the drug on the dark web.

Read also: Finding strength in grief: the Lakemans 10 years on 

He says it's time Tynwald acted on some of the findings from a report by Liverpool John Moore's University Public Health Institute on potential policy changes:

In a statement to Manx Radio, the Department of Home Affairs says it's committed to bringing the principles agreed by Tynwald into practice to ensure a whole system approach. 

This can only be done by working across different agencies - which includes Public Health, Manx Care, the constabulary, prison and probation service, education, and the third sector. 

It adds this work is prioritised against other commitments the department has made as well as those commitments and work being undertaken by other agencies. 

The Justice and Home Affairs Minister has been invited to speak with Manx Radio on this topic.

Action Plan by the end of December

In the House of Keys last month, Douglas East MHK Joney Faragher asked DHA Minister Jane Poole-Wilson when she will publish a review of the practical application of policy principles to inform the Island's approach to tackling harm caused by drugs; when an action plan will be published; and how Members will be kept informed on progress.

In response, the minister said an action plan is due to be developed by the end of this month; this will then go through the 'relevant governance structures' before being published.

Minister Poole-Wilson acknowledged that the update was similar to an answer provided previously, but stressed that the work was being dealt with alongside 'many other' commitments that have been undertaken by her department.

You can hear the full response below: