What are synthetic drugs?
New, synthetic versions of harmful drugs, including synthetic opioids and synthetic cannabinoids, are increasingly found in UK’s illegal drug markets.

The Criminal Justice and Courts Bill would make a number of changes to the criminal justice system including sentencing; cautions; prisoners’ release and recall; and the detention of young offenders. It would also reform court proceedings and costs; establish a new system of strict liability in contempt proceedings; create new offences for juror misconduct; make changes to the conduct and funding of judicial review claims; and amend the law on extreme pornography.
Criminal Justice and Courts Bill (602 KB , PDF)
The Criminal Justice and Courts Bill had its first reading in the House of Commons on 5 February 2014. Its second reading is expected on Monday 24 February. It is Bill 169 of 2013-14. The Bill has five parts and has eight schedules, covering:
• Criminal justice changes, including sentencing, cautions, and prisoners’ release and recall;
• Secure colleges for young offenders;
• Possession of extreme pornographic images;
• Courts and tribunal changes, including contributions towards court costs from convicted criminals;
• New provisions on contempt of court by the media and misconduct by jurors;
• Changes to the conduct and funding of judicial review claims
Criminal Justice and Courts Bill (602 KB , PDF)
New, synthetic versions of harmful drugs, including synthetic opioids and synthetic cannabinoids, are increasingly found in UK’s illegal drug markets.
The Controlled Drugs (Procedure for Specification) Bill 2024-2025 had its second reading on Friday 7 March 2025. It was considered by a Public Bill Committee on 25 June 2025 and report stage is scheduled for 11 July 2025. This is a private members' bill.
A general debate on mobile phone thefts is scheduled to take place in the House of Commons Chamber on 3 July 2025.