Gillingham and Rainham MP Rehman Chishti praises legal highs campaign, launched in the wake of the death of Jimmy Guichard from Gravesend
Published: 00:01, 03 July 2014
Updated: 14:26, 03 July 2014
MP Rehman Chishti has praised the KM Group's campaign on legal highs during a debate in parliament.
The High Time campaign has been runing in print, online and on kmfm, to raise awareness of the dangers and calling for clearer warnings on packaging.
It was launched in the wake of the death of 20-year-old Jimmy Guichard, who collapsed at his father’s home in Gravesend last year.
Jimmy had bought herbal incense from a shop in Chatham and is believed to have taken it.
During a debate on the government’s policy on legal highs, Mr Chishti spoke about the role of education and the media in making people aware of the risks.
He said: “The KM Group ran a campaign on the effect and consequences of such highs, and other media should do the same, to make people aware.”
More stories from our High Time legal highs campaign
Home Office minister Norman Baker confirmed 68 deaths have been linked to the use of legal highs in 2012.
A government review is expected to report soon, which is examining labelling and how substances are sold.
Mr Chishti added: “Legal highs have tragically claimed the lives of far too many people in our country. Local media plays an important role in raising awareness of this issue.
“I am determined that the government takes action to clamp down on this reckless trade.”
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