Mike is hosting an event entitled “Are Drug Deaths Avoidable?” on Friday 30th September at Hove Town Hall.

The event will be chaired by Mike and will bring together a number of drug experts from around the country. Arrangements were put in place for the debate some months ago and, now that it is fast approaching, Mike is urging as many Brighton & Hove residents as possible to attend.

It was recently reported by the Brighton & Hove coroner that the city has the highest proportion of drug-related deaths in the country. Recognising that the issue is of national as well as local importance, Mike has asked the question “Are Drug Deaths Avoidable?”. The impact of new scientific evidence on addiction, social stigma and implications of criminality are amongst the topics that will be debated. Speakers include local and national professionals from Sussex Police and experts in rehabilitation centres as well as psychiatric research, human rights, and criminal policy.

Since being elected, Mike has campaigned to raise awareness of the danger of drugs and currently serves as a member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Drug Policy Reform. On the panel will be Martin Barnes from Drugscope and Amanda Feilding from the Beckley Foundation among others.

Commenting, Mike said: “Finding new approaches to our drug abuse problem is one of the most important current social issues. An open discussion involving professionals is a fantastic opportunity for members of the public to get involved and have their say. Input from people who have been affected and family members is vital to this debate.”

The event is being held at Hove Town Hall at 10am on 30th September 2011. The day will divided into four different sessions and there will be light refreshments at lunchtime.