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UK: Do drug laws need rethink? Leicester has its say...

Laura Elvin

Leicester Mercury

Tuesday 11 Dec 2012

Britain's drug laws are not working and need a rethink, MP Keith Vaz said yesterday.

The Commons home affairs select committee, which Mr Vaz chairs, has released a report urging the Government to set up a Royal Commission – a top-level inquiry – to look at drugs laws.

In a report, the committee said there was a need for improved treatment in prisons and society, earlier intervention and preventative work.

It did not make recommendations for changes to the law but said ministers could learn from the experience of Portugal, where drugs have been "depenalised" – possession of small amounts are not subject to criminal penalties.

The committee urged the Government to study changes in Washington and Colorado, in the US, where cannabis has been legalised.

Former drug-users including comedian Russell Brand gave evidence to the committee.

He said people with the "condition of addiction" should be given supervised medical care, rather then punishment by the criminal justice system.

The Government has rejected the idea of a Royal Commission.

A spokesman said: "Our current laws draw on the best available evidence and as such we have no intention of downgrading or declassifying cannabis.

"A Royal Commission on drugs is simply not necessary."

http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/drug-laws-need-rethink-Leicester-say/story-17548226-detail/story.html

 

 

 

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