A Stoke-on-Trent MP has called for a parliamentary debate on monkey dust.

Dr Allison Gardner, Labour MP for Stoke-on-Trent South, told the House of Commons that synthetic cathinones – the class of drug which includes monkey dust – were having a 'significant impact' on communities in the Potteries.

She asked leader of the house Sir Alan Campbell to make time for a Commons debate on the subject. North Staffordshire is recognised nationally as a hotspot for monkey dust use, with cathinone-related deaths much more common here than in other parts of the country.

The drug's popularity in deprived communities has been driven by its low cost and intense psychoactive effects, which often leave users in a zombie-like state.

Dr Gardner said: "Synthetic cathinones, commonly known as monkey dust, are a stimulant drug causing significant harm in Stoke-on-Trent.

"These substances can cause severe psychosis and trigger acute health risk in the very vulnerable people who turn to them, which is having a significant impact on our local communities and public services. Will the Leader of the House make time for a debate on synthetic cathinones?"

Sir Alan said the use of synthetic drugs is concerning and insisted the government is taking action to tackle the issue. He said he would help Dr Gardner arrange a meeting with the drugs minister to discuss the matter further.

Dr Gardner later said that in addition to meeting with ministers, she would be talking to the Border Force and the Post Office about how to prevent the importation and distribution of monkey dust.

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A report by the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs last year acknowledged the 'particular concerns' about synthetic cathinone use in North Staffordshire and the relatively high number of cathinone-related deaths in the area.

The report noted the 'substantial effects' the drugs were having on local communities due to the erratic anti-social behaviour of users.

The ACMD made a number of recommendations for tackling the issue, including improved health and social care and more effective law enforcement.