Commons Select Committees rarely make the headlines. But the Science and Technology Committee, chaired by Norwich MP Dr Ian Gibson has set the reforming cats among the Establishment pigeons by taking evidence on drugs reform. The lead Department on drugs policy is the Home Office, and a major Inquiry into the drugs laws is currently being made by the Home Affairs Select Committee, chaired by Chris Mullin MP. A report has been carried by The Observer
The Department of Health has advised that the Police should not prosecute people for growing cannabis at home, for their own use. The Home Office, which carries the primary departmental responsibility for drugs policy, wants “growing” prosecuted, although Ministers are now advocating a gentler approach to prosecution for cannabis possession, favouring a treatment-first approach.
This jumble of ministerial postures is unacceptable, and unconstitutional. Prohibition makes all drug-related activities criminal. The law must be changed, not evaded. It is unacceptable that either Ministers or the Police should be allowed to arbitrate on which crimes are to be prosecuted, and which are not: that is for Parliament to decide. This disarray at the heart of Government is itself evidence that our drugs laws are defective, needing radical reform. | The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 is wrongful and unjust, precisely because its provisions do not accord to the citizen, as a human right, the dignity of individual judgment. Our legislation contravenes Article 8 of the European Convention of Human Rights, now incorporated into the Human Rights Act 1998. The leading civil rights group LIBERTY has condemned the UK drugs laws. As a member, and Board Director, of LIBERTY, I applaud the strong and courageous
stand
which the association has made.
And when it comes to reform, there is no halfway house. Individual dignity must simply be respected, and the threat and fear of criminal prosecution removed from the ordinary user. Various “fudges” have been tried on the Continent, to avoid the political inconvenience of statutory reform, but they should not be imitated. The present prohibition-based approach should be decisively abandoned. A new regulatory system should be designed on the footing that all mind-altering substances are legal, albeit carrying different degrees of risk to consumers, and needing different control systems.
Those advocating legalisation are assembling to sign the Angel Declaration. If you are willing to join them, add your signature > go to this website and you will find a downloadable Form for signature Angel Declaration [ installation pending ]
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Diary Note 261201-01