McCarthy welcomes Justice Minister’s comments on legal highs

Alliance Strangford MLA, Kieran McCarthy, has welcomed the pressure that the Justice Minister has put on the Home Office to ban so called legal highs, which is a matter that can only be legislated on at Westminster. Mr McCarthy also welcomed his commitment that he would seek an urgent meeting with the next Home Secretary to discuss this issue. Mr McCarthy raised the issue with the Minister during Assembly Question Time.

Kieran McCarthy MLA said: “I was very saddened by the recent death of Newtownards teenager Adam Owens. His death was a tragic loss that has shocked the local community. His friends and family have been foremost in my thoughts in recent days.

“It is time that these substances were banned to ensure that no more lives are lost.

“I was pleased to hear from the Justice Minister what he has been doing to put pressure on the Westminster Government to ban these substances. He gave me a commitment in the Assembly that he will seek an urgent meeting with whoever becomes Home Secretary after the upcoming election to discuss this issue and ensure that these substances are no longer available on our streets.”

ENDS