Drug-related deaths in Scotland rise by 11%, according to official figures reported by multiple outlets. The reports say Scotland once again has the highest drug-death rate in Europe.
The BBC and Sky News state the 11% increase occurs over the past year, and the BBC adds that total deaths over the past decade are more than 11,000. The London Evening Standard highlights concerns about Scotland facing a “toxic and unpredictable” supply of drugs, while the Daily Record similarly frames the figures as confirming Scotland’s position at the top of Europe’s fatality rankings.
Across the coverage, the shared focus is on the worsening death rates and Scotland’s continued status as having the worst outcomes in Europe for drug misuse. Outlets differ mainly in emphasis, with some stressing the scale of the increase and long-term totals, and others highlighting concerns about the quality and safety of illicit drugs.
