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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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UK Web: Lib Dems Back Radical Drug Reforms
ccguide Sunday 10 Mar 2002 Pubdate: Sat, 09 Mar 2002 Source: BBC News (UK Web) Copyright: 2002 BBC Contact: http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/talking_point/forum/ Website: http://news.bbc.co.uk/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/558 LIB DEMS BACK RADICAL DRUG REFORMS Charles Kennedy sought a "mature" debate The Liberal Democrats have voted in favour of the legalisation of cannabis - the first main UK party to support such a radical move. The party's leadership had recommended decriminalising the drug but delegates went a step further and chose legalisation. At the spring conference in Manchester they also voted for an end to imprisonment for the possession of drugs - including heroin and cocaine. The party also favoured downgrading ecstasy from a Class A to a Class B drug. Cannabis users would no longer face prosecution Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman Simon Hughes said the move was "responsible, realistic and progressive". The BBC's political correspondent Carolyn Quinn said it was a "momentous vote that few were expecting". Delegates conceded that legalisation of cannabis would take time, because it would require changes in international law. But in the meantime, people would no longer face prosecution for possessing or growing the drug for their own use. Earlier, leader Charles Kennedy said that having the confidence and maturity to discuss the issue honestly and openly did the party "no harm". Mr 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." - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom
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