Parliament drug use claims to be raised with police this week

House of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle has promised to raise allegations of drug use in Parliament with the Metropolitan Police this week.

He described a report in the Sunday Times that traces of cocaine had been found in several lavatory areas as “deeply concerning”.

Sir Lindsay told the BBC that those who “flout the law” should face punishment.

His decision comes as the government is expected on Monday to pledge £700m over three years to tackle problem drug use.

This will include putting more emphasis on recovery from addiction, and less on prosecuting people caught with illegal substances.