People are calling for UK Prime Minister candidate Rishi Sunak to commit to drug testing politicians if he becomes the Kingdom's leader.
The former Chancellor recently revealed his stance on illegal substances and said he would have a zero-tolerance approach to recreational use.
The National reports that while speaking at the Tory leadership hustings in Darlington, England, Sunak said: “Drugs are horrific.
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“There is nothing recreational about them. I have never taken them and I will be incredibly tough on anyone who does.”
Following his scathing remarks, Mr Sunak has been criticised for encouraging the war on drugs.
Many panned him on social media, as one person wrote: “I find it fascinating that the difference between ‘recreational’ drugs and prescribed medication is entirely socially determined.
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“It has little to do with any innate quality of the compound but simply that one has a professional bureaucracy around it, and the other does not.”
While some even called out drug usage in Parliament, suggesting that Mr Sunak should conduct drug tests among his colleagues.
One person commented: “Saying this whilst cocaine has been detected in 11 different locations on parliament grounds, areas only accessible with a parliamentary pass is very very bold.”
While another wrote: “OK then why not start by drug testing MPs and let's see how that goes.”
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Last year, The Sunday Times reported that several traces of cocaine had been found in 11 of the 12 lavatories in Parliament, including an area near Boris Johnson’s office.
A source who works close to Westminster told the outlet that there is very much a ‘cocaine culture' in Parliament.
"They think they are untouchable, protected by their friends in the bubble. It's shocking but also sad. Lots of them need help," the source said.
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Following the allegations, House of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle promised to flag the issue to the police, citing that anyone ‘flouting’ the rules deserves to be punished, according to BBC News.
Sir Lindsay said: "The accounts of drug misuse in Parliament given to the Sunday Times are deeply concerning, and I will be raising them as a priority with the Metropolitan Police next week. I expect to see full and effective enforcement of the law.”
Amid the drug allegations, Boris Johnson launched a new campaign and dressed up as a police officer to send a message they will be tough on drug use in the UK.
While speaking to The Recount, he said: "This government is absolutely determined to fight drugs.
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"I take the view that it's a long time really since you've heard a government say that drugs, class A drugs, are bad, bad for society, bad for opportunity, bad kids growing up in this country.
"That's my view."
Charisa Bossinakis