Proposed legislation which would have given addicts the legal right to treatment has just been shot down at the Scottish Parliament, proving that Holyrood does politics no better than at Westminster, our Writer at Large argues.

I’m always struck by the language that’s used by campaigners to describe the miseries which fester in our society.

When I talk to homeless campaigners, for example, they say that governments “allow” people to sleep on the streets; governments “choose” to accept homelessness.

They’re right. If a government wanted to, it could end homelessness overnight. Governing is about making choices and deciding on priorities. If homelessness – or any other ill – really mattered to those in power, a way would be found to take meaningful action.

But in this topsy-turvy world – where democracy isn’t exercised in the interests of the people but captured by party loyalists more in love with the idea of holding power than exercising it for the benefit of the country – that doesn’t happen.

Drug rehabilitation sits in the same category as homelessness. If the government really wanted to, it could create a functioning rehab service with available beds for everyone who needs a bed.

All it takes is the will. Civil servants would moan and say it’s all impossible, but if a government really wants something to happen it happens.

Holyrood had a chance to change the story on Scotland’s miserable relationship with addiction this week – and blew it.

A proposed law was before........

© Herald Scotland