MEP calls for policy change on illegal drugs

5:28pm Tuesday 26th August 2008

ALL illegal drugs should be made available for purchase under a system of Government licensing and regulation.

So says Congleton MEP Chris Davies, who claims prohibition has had the opposite of the effect intended, increasing drug use and putting billions of pounds into drug dealers’ pockets.

“The object of Government policy should be to reduce harm from drugs by undermining the criminals who promote their use to make vast profits, and ensuring those who insist on taking them can do so with the least risk to their health,” said Mr Davies.

“The legal sale of drugs through licensed outlets offers greater opportunities for control, and for communication of health concerns, than the millions of unregulated, illegal and dangerous transactions taking place on street corners every week.

“I know scores of politicians who believe in the need for a major change in our approach.

“However they continue to support policies that don’t work for fear of being branded as soft on drugs.”