Pubdate: Fri, 08 Mar 2013
Source: Yorkshire Post (UK)
Copyright: 2013 Johnston Press New Media
Contact: http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/contactus.aspx
Website: http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2239
Author: Grace Hammond
Page: 6

MINISTER TO UNDERTAKE FACT-FINDING MISSION ON ILLEGAL DRUGS POLICY

THE Home Office is to undertake a detailed study of how other
countries deal with illegal drugs including forms of
decriminalisation.

Crime Prevention Minister Jeremy Browne is being despatched to
countries such as Portugal, which has "depenalised" small-scale
possession, to gather evidence on what works.

But MPs' calls for a wide-ranging Royal Commission, backed by Deputy
Prime Minister Nick Clegg, have been rejected by the Government.

The fact-finding mission was unveiled in response to the Commons Home
Affairs Committee which concluded last year that British policy was
not working. After a year-long study, it said Ministers could learn
from Portugal, where possession of small amounts of illegal drugs is
not subject to criminal penalties.

In its response, the Home Office said a Commission was "simply not
necessary" and the Government "has no intention of decriminalising
drugs".

"Nonetheless, we must continue to listen and learn from emerging
trends, new evidence and international comparators," it continued.

It said Lib Dem Mr Browne would look at "countries that cover a
spectrum of approaches to drug policy, and assess their effectiveness
in cutting drug use and reducing harm to individuals and communities",
with Portugal the first of a number of visits.

The select committee also urged the Government to study Washington and
Colorado in the United States  where cannabis is being legalised  and
Uruguay, where a state monopoly of cannabis production and sale is
being proposed.

"We expect to find examples of good practice that might be considered
in the UK," the Home Office response noted.
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MAP posted-by: Matt