LABOUR REFUSES TO BUDGE ON CANNABIS REFORM

In your report on your NOP poll on the decriminalisation of cannabis ("Most
back cannabis reforms", Daily Express, September 3), you correctly state
that home Secretary David Blunkett has called for an "adult, intelligent
debate" on the issue. However, last week in Sheffield the Home Secretary
reiterated the New Labour stance that there will be no change in the law
and hit had no plans to legalise any drugs.

So why does Mr Blunkett want a debate when the result will in any case be
ignored by the Government?

Labour has made it clear it does not want a Royal Commission because, it
says, it would not legalise cannabis even if a commission recommended it.
It has already ignored recommendations on cannabis use from the House of
Lords Select Committee and the Police Foundation.

It is time we asked the government what its true motives are for such a
stance against easing the law in the face of both public and expert
opinion. People no longer believe that it is to protect health.

Alun Buffry
Legalise Cannabis Alliance