The scene in Wicklow Street this month

ALMOST 20 years ago the drugs debate in Camden was focused on fears from residents around Tottenham Court Road about a needle exchange, a “shooting gallery” as it became known, being set up to help drug addicts on the street.

There has always been a wild hysteria around any efforts to help vulnerable people locked in a nightmarish cycle of drug addiction, a backlash that consistently prevents progressive policies being considered by the powers that be. It is often the police who are blamed for failing to get a grip on “anti-social behaviour”, but the real fault lies with the politicians – present company included – who so often take the same tired-old “lock ’em up” approach.

The whole debate becomes couched in a destructive us-against-them narrative, and not just on drug reform. The desperation to act tough can have unhelpful effects.

Sir Keir Starmer before the election was singling out the Bangladeshi community while under pressure to show strength on immigration, during a debate organised by The Sun newspaper. The Labour leader in that moment was seen by some as kowtowing to those obssessed by the small boats issue.

Bullish and macho statements from politicians may be effective at winning votes before an election under a banner of change. But long term, it just exacerbates the divides and in turn the problem.

It brings us back to Wicklow Street and what is really needed as a permanent solution.

Residents’ objections to problematic drug taking on their street  are completely justified. It is a scary thing to live cheek by jowl with desperate people who are far beyond caring about the law.

But to make a dent in this complex societal problem, rather than shift it elsewhere, there needs to be a dramatic change in outlook.

The government needs to try new things, beyond playing the tough guy. Experts in the field say consumption rooms, where drug addicts can be supported into services, can really help.

The Transform charity tells us that this new government, with its large majority, could make a palpable difference to the kind of depressing scenes in King’s Cross.

By the next election, people would see real change and base their votes accordingly.

Thankfully, Labour appears open to making some progressive drugs policy reforms.

We are hopeful that they listen to thoughtful voices and move swiftly with a bold approach, one that doesn’t simply continue this pointless war on drugs that has wasted so many resources over decades without any gain. That’s how things could really change in Camden.