Subj: UK: Norris reopens legalise cannabis debate



Source: This is London



Date: 21st January 2000





Norris reopens legalise cannabis debate





by Charles Reiss Political Editor

Steve Norris, the Tory candidate for London's Mayor, today called for

cannabis to be legalised in certain circumstances, opening up a new area of

conflict with William Hague.



The former Tory minister said that, as Mayor with responsibility for the

Metropolitan Police, he would continue the fight against drugs in general.

But he said that he believed there was one area of drug use where "a

positive change" was needed - to allow sufferers from certain illnesses to

use cannabis for medical reasons.



"Such people should not be classed as criminals, but should be seen as

sufferers in need of help," Mr Norris told the Evening Standard. "It is time

to draw a clear line between the recreational use of drugs, such as

cannabis, and their beneficial, medicinal uses."



The call by Mr Norris goes flatly against the hard line taken by the shadow

cabinet and Tory Party leader Mr Hague himself. They have firmly rejected

any easing of the law, as has Home Secretary Jack Straw.



Mr Norris said: "I founded a drugs charity, Adapt, to help fight drug

addiction of all kinds and nothing I have seen or heard since has altered my

beliefs about the dangers of drugs.



"I would champion the fight against drugs without fear or favour. However,

where there is clear evidence that medically controlled use of cannabis can

alleviate suffering from certain illnesses then it should be available to

those who could benefit."



Today's move follows the disagreement over the controversial Clause 28 of

the Local Government Act, limiting discussion of homosexuality in schools,

which the Tories want to keep but which Mr Norris has condemned as

homo-phobic. It increased the tension over the contents of the mayoral

manifesto which the Conservatives plan to publish next month to prepare for

the contest against Labour and the Liberal Democrats in May.



Tory chairman Michael Ancram said last week that there would effectively be

two manifestoes, one bearing the seal of approval of the shadow cabinet and

the other effectively a personal statement from the candidate. But allies of

Mr Norris today maintained that his would be the "driving force" behind both

documents.



A much bigger clash between Mr Norris and the leadership is threatened over

policy on the Underground.



John Redwood, shadow environment and transport spokesman, has called for

all-out privatisation. But friends of Mr Norris have said that there is no

way he is prepared to include such a pledge in the manifesto, given that, if

elected, he will have to work alongside a Labour government committed to a

different plan.



Many believe it will help Mr Norris to gain votes if he can put distance

between himself and a still-unpopular Tory Party. However one Norris ally

stressed: "It's not about splits. It's about taking an independent view."