Ten Years of Anyone’s Child: Families United for Safer Drug Control

 

This summer marks a decade since we launched Anyone’s Child: Families for Safer Drug Control. What began as a small group of bereaved families—united by the devastating loss of loved ones to preventable drug-related deaths—has grown into a powerful network of families calling for the urgent reform of the UK’s drug laws.

Our journey started in 2014, when Anne-Marie Cockburn reached out to Transform Drug Policy Foundation after the tragic loss of her 15-year-old daughter, Martha, to an accidental MDMA overdose. Just nine months later, we were at the doors of 10 Downing Street, delivering a petition to then-Prime Minister David Cameron, demanding a review of the outdated and harmful 1971 Misuse of Drugs Act.

Back then, we were only a handful of families. Today, we are more than 50 families with a supporting network of activists- united in grief, solidarity, and hope—working to ensure that no other family has to suffer the pain we have endured.

 

“My life ended when I lost my two sons Torin and Jacques so unexpectedly in one night. I never wanted to join a group like Anyone’s Child – but having lost everything, I feel that it’s all I can do now – to try and stop others from having to go through what I’ve been through – and for me that means campaigning for the legal control and regulation of drugs.” Ray

The Problem: A Broken System

The UK’s drug laws have remained largely unchanged for over 50 years. They are failing by every meaningful measure.

These laws were never truly rooted in public health or scientific evidence. Instead, they have disproportionately criminalised marginalised communities, fuelled organised crime, undermined public health and wasted billions in futile law enforcement efforts. Like the United States’ failed alcohol prohibition in the 1920s, our current approach has led to violence, unregulated markets, and preventable deaths.

Today, all drugs are controlled by organised crime groups—without age restrictions, quality standards, or any duty of care. We believe in a different future: one where drug policy is grounded in compassion, health, and evidence. One where doctors and pharmacists, not criminals, take responsibility for regulation.

  • The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 is over 50 years old but has never been subject to a formal government evaluation or review.
  • More than three million criminal records have been issued under the Misuse of Drugs Act, with people sentenced to more than 680,000 years in prison since 1986.
  • Drug use has risen dramatically, while drugs have become cheaper, more potent and more available
  • Over the past ten years there have been 37,342 drug related deaths

Global Reform – But the UK is Lagging Behind

Around the world, the tide is turning. Cannabis is now legally regulated in over 20 U.S. states, as well as in Canada, Uruguay, Malta, and most recently, Germany. More and more countries are looking set to follow. These changes are already starting to have positive outcomes including reducing crime, and better protecting our young people.

The UK, however, remains stuck in the past. Our government is falling behind—ignoring evidence and clinging to outdated ideologies. We need reform now, not only for cannabis, but for all drugs. Reform that prioritises health, social justice, and safety.

Speaking Truth to Power

Since our launch, Anyone’s Child has returned to Parliament year after year. We’ve opened crucial dialogues with front bench politicians, helped to persuade and educate MPs from across the political spectrum and played a role in shaping the drug policies of the Liberal Democrats and Green Party. Our families’ stories have been referenced in every recent political debate on drugs, helping MP’s to speak out on this once taboo issue and break long-held stigmas. Each year, our movement grows stronger—and our message, louder.

June 24th: A Decade of Advocacy, A Renewed Call for Action

This June 24th, we return to Westminster—stronger and more determined than ever. As the Labour Party settles into government, we are urging them to face the realities of the UK’s escalating drug crisis. So far, they have chosen to sidestep the issue, favouring “tough on drugs” rhetoric that is increasingly out of step with public opinion and expert advice.

But change is possible—and with your support, inevitable.

Join the Movement

If you believe in a safer, fairer, and more compassionate approach to drugs, we need you. Join us in speaking truth to power, demanding evidence-based reform, and preventing further avoidable tragedies on June 24th.

Written by Jane Slater, CEO of Transform and the Anyone’s Child: Families For Safer Drug Control Campaign Manager.