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UK: Probe into county drug use to form part of Leicester MPs' inquiry
Leicester Mercury Wednesday 11 Apr 2012 Last month's series of articles – including a public opinion poll which attracted more than 7,000 votes – will be submitted to the influential Home Affairs Select Committee as part of its wide-ranging inquiry into the UK's existing drugs laws. The committee, which is chaired by Leicester East MP Keith Vaz, will make recommendations to the Government later this year. Mr Vaz said the 7,219 votes cast online in response to two major questions on drugs policy were evidence of a thirst for a public debate. A total of 4,320 votes were registered on the Mercury's website on the question of whether possession of cannabis should be legalised. A clear majority of 87 per cent of votes were in favour of allowing people to smoke the drug without fear of criminal prosecution. It is believed that news of the poll spread on the internet and the pro-cannabis lobby took part in the poll in large numbers. Some 2,819 votes were cast in response to the question of whether possession of addictive, class A drugs such as heroin and crack cocaine should be decriminalised. Of those, 54 per cent agreed users should not be prosecuted and instead efforts should be stepped up to help them beat their addiction. Mr Vaz said: "More than 7,000 votes on the two questions the Mercury asked its readers is a huge response and demonstrates the level of interest in the subject of drugs. "Clearly there are some opposing views but it shows these are issues which simply cannot be taken for granted. "The Mercury's articles and the readers' comments on its website will be important evidence for the committee." "From the beginning we were keen to hear the views of people in Leicester. It is a city in the middle of England and has a larger drugs problem than some areas but less than some other cities." Earlier in the series, Dr James Treadwell, a criminologist at the University of Leicester, said: "This is a good time for a sensible and considered debate about drugs. "More people are coming around to the idea the war on drugs has failed and cannot be won even in the long-term." A heroin addicts' mother, who spoke to the Mercury during the series, said: "I think Governments across the world should be asking themselves about their policies on drugs. "My son has been caught shoplifting and stealing from cars. He has had treatment and is getting better but other addicts he knows don't seem to be willing to get the help they need. "If I could change one thing about the way this country deals with drugs like heroin, I would make going on rehabilitation courses compulsory." Investigation: Vaz undecided on whether danger drugs should be decriminalised The survey asked Mercury readers whether they believed highly-addictive drugs such as heroin and crack cocaine should be decriminalised. They were also asked if they believed cannabis should be legalised. At the launch of the series, Mr Vaz said there was a growing body of opinion that damaging and addictive drugs such as heroin and crack cocaine should be decriminalised. This week, he said he remained undecided on the issue. The lobby in favour of those class A drugs' decriminalisation includes Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson. If the policy was introduced, addicts would not face criminal action when caught with either of the drugs. Instead, they would be dealt with as people in need of treatment. Heroin would be provided by the state and efforts stepped up to help users beat their addiction. Such a move would also mean addicts would not be at risk of buying from criminals who often mix drugs with other – sometimes harmful – substances to increase profitability. Dealers and people producing hard drugs would still be committing a criminal offence. Legalisation of cannabis would mean it could be sold legally, but with some controls. http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/Probe-county-drug-use-form-Leicester-MPs-inquiry/story-15780556-detail/story.html
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