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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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UK: 'Decriminalise cannabis' - Lib Dems
BBC Online
Saturday 09 Mar 2002 The Liberal Democrats have voted in favour of the decriminalisation of cannabis. Delegates at the party's spring conference in Manchester also voted for an end to imprisonment for the possession of drugs. Some party members want to go further still, by legalising cannabis altogether. Leader Charles Kennedy said that having the confidence and maturity to discuss the issue honestly and openly did the party "no harm". Home affairs spokesman Simon Hughes said prior to Saturday's vote: "There is a growing realisation that drugs policy must be reassessed. "Current law neither adequately deters people from using drugs nor maximises the chances of effective treatment." Public services The party is also discussing defence and economic policies, public services, and ways of attracting disaffected Conservative voters. Other controversial proposals on the agenda include ending selection at faith schools, cutting Britain's nuclear arsenal by 33%, and withholding support for the "son of Star Wars" nuclear defence system being developed by the US. Defence spokesman Paul Keetch was expected to tell the conference: "The UK should not accept the use of UK facilities for any missile defence system which does not enhance our security." Other debates Cutting nuclear arsenal Opposing 'Son of Star Wars' Raising taxes Having a dedicated NHS tax Abolishing faith schools A commitment to raise taxes to fund better public services could also be on the agenda, with a keynote speech from Treasury spokesman Matthew Taylor on the economy. He is also expected to advocate the greater involvement of the private sector in public services. "The private sector has a place in delivering public services," he is expected to say. "It can promote innovation and choice. We would not be true to our heritage as Liberals if we didn't believe that." Party members have already been arguing over dedicated taxes. It has been suggested that the policy of adding 1p in the pound to income tax to fund education - a mainstay of the Lib Dem manifesto for three elections - should be dropped. Others think it should stay. Health tax The party also appears to be edging towards a dedicated tax for health, the so-called "hypothecated" NHS tax. Mr Kennedy floated the idea last month, saying people would be able to see how their money was being spent and would then be able to judge how effectively it was being used. Mr Taylor is expected to echo that, saying: "We can only argue for extra funding if we show that people will get value for money and they will have greater control over how that money is spent." A group aimed at wooing disaffected Tories was meeting for the first time at the conference on Friday night. Conservatives hold the bulk of what will be Lib Dem target seats at the next election. But BBC political correspondent Jonathan Beale says the party's support for higher taxes and its stance on drugs are unlikely to appeal to traditional Tory voters.
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