DESPITE protestations by Tories, no sooner had the UK Australia Free Trade Deal been signed than it was being condemned by the NFU.

It’s a sell-out of those who’ve been working hard and have already had to endure the difficulties and complexities wrecked by Brexit.

In their desperation to have a deal – literally any deal – the Tories have signed up for something that has the Australian Premier salivating, while farmers and crofters in this country are bereft.

Other important factors have equally been ignored: getting adequate commitments on animal welfare; protecting public services from attack by corporations; and the effect on global warming.

Shipping is a large contributor to transport greenhouse gas emissions. Sailing tons of Australian beef and lamb around the globe is as damaging to the environment as the cargo it’s carrying is to local producers.

But not just the principle but the process was flawed. The Tories have a majority but it’s essential that Parliament is able to scrutinise deals before they’re signed. That’s the duty of the opposition.

Parliament also debated drug policy on the 50th anniversary of the Misuse of Drugs Act. The situation has worsened since then and change is needed. My experience as Justice Secretary has convinced me that drugs require a health, not criminal justice, solution. Causes of addiction lie in poverty, health, inequality and hopelessness. Support and assistance works better than enforcement or incarceration.

As I said in Parliament, if it could be resolved by police and military might then the United States would be drug free. But it’s not and the situation is even worse there. Given that health and justice are devolved, powers should rest with Holyrood. But in the interim, and as a very minimum, the ability to monitor and check who’s taking what should be allowed. Westminster’s intransigence is costing lives in our communities.