UK: Cannabis warning is just an experiment, Minister insists

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Ananova

Monday 02 Jul 2001

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The Government is insisting cannabis has not been decriminalised under a
scheme where people possessing small quantities will escape with a warning.

Home Office Minister of State John Denham told the Commons the law has not
been changed as the scheme in Brixton, south London gets underway.

But Labour's Paul Flynn (Newport W) called the scheme "creeping
decriminalisation by post code".

Mr Denham said at question time: "In Brixton, the Divisional Commander has
taken a decision about the use of police resources so he can prioritise
those crimes which are doing most damage to the community, in particular
the peddling of hard drugs.

"But it is not the case to say that cannabis has been decriminalised or
that the law has been changed."

Under the experiment which begins today, people found in possession of
small quantities of cannabis will be let off with a formal warning rather
than being arrested and cautioned.

The scheme begins as the Government prepares to launch a crackdown this
week on sentencing of violent criminals, sex offenders and teenage thugs.

Home Secretary David Blunkett is also expected to home in on the use of
hard drugs, as well as announcing a review of sentencing laws.

Under the plans, young criminals who re-offend will be given no second
chance and will be fast-tracked back into court while dangerous criminals,
including rapists and paedophiles, will be refused early release from prison.

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