Legislation brought in by the government in December 2024 expanded the list of organisations and emergency service professionals that are able to supply take-home naloxone - a prescription-only medication - to police officers, paramedics and probation workers.

The government is consulting on amending regulations to:

• expand supply of naloxone to hostels, day centres and outreach services for people experiencing rough sleeping or homelessness
• allow supplies to be delivered to emergency staff at organisations including the Border Force, National Crime Agency and laboratory testing facilities who may encounter dangerous synthetic opioids such as nitazenes as part of their work
• introduce a new way to access naloxone by installing publicly accessible emergency boxes, similar to those containing defibrillator cabinets, in high-risk locations such as high streets and near nightlife venues

Minister of state for health, Karin Smyth, said: ‘Every drug death is a preventable tragedy. Naloxone is a safe, effective medication that can reverse an opioid overdose and give someone the chance to access treatment and rebuild their lives.

‘We want to remove the barriers which prevent naloxone reaching the people who need it most at that moment when their life is on the line.

‘That is why we are launching this consultation to change the regulations and make sure those coming in contact with opioids through their work - or members of the public faced with an emergency - can save a life.'

This second naloxone consultation is being conducted jointly with the Department of Health (Northern Ireland) and has the support of all four UK nations following agreement at the UK Drugs Ministerial Group that expanding naloxone access is a key priority.

Subject to consultation responses and Parliamentary approval, the government aims to introduce the new legislation in 2026. The changes would be made through amendments to the Human Medicines Regulations 2012.