GOVERNMENT SIGNALS SHIFT IN ITS ATTITUDE TO CANNABIS

David Blunkett signalled a big shift in the Government's previously
immovable stance on cannabis yesterday when he called for an "adult,
intelligent debate" on the subject.

In remarks that contrasted sharply with those of his predecessor, Jack
Straw, the Home Secretary said that his position on decriminalisation was:
"Let's think, let's consider."

Mr Blunkett's comments came as Sir David Ramsbotham, the outgoing chief
inspector of prisons, became the latest senior figure to call for the
drug's decriminalisation.

Lord Jenkins of Hillhead and Lord Baker of Dorking, both former home
secretaries, also joined the growing campaign to change the operation of
the current law.

Mr Blunkett, who has the backing of Downing Street for his emphasis on
tackling hard drugs such as heroin and cocaine, appeared to open the door
to a review.

After a week in which the Conservative leadership candidates agreed on the
need for debate, and the former Tory deputy leader Peter Lilley called for
legalisation, the Home Secretary conceded it was time for discussion.

Mr Blunkett said that the question of legalising or decriminalising
cannabis should be considered in a calm and reasoned environment.

"There is room for an adult intelligent debate but it isn't: 'Are you for
or against?' It's let's think, let's consider, let's not be pushed by
articles in newspapers or hysteria," he told Sky News. "I am interested in
the debate that is taking place because, I hope, I am an intelligent human
being."

Mo Mowlam, the former cabinet office minister with responsibility for drugs
policy, and Keith Hellawell, the outgoing drugs tsar, have called for a
debate on decriminalisation.

Mr Blunkett first hinted at his position last month when he described as an
"interesting experiment" a pilot police project in Lambeth, south London,
to caution instead of arrest those in possession of small amounts of the drug.

Last week, Mr Lilley called for cannabis to be legalised and sold through
licensed outlets, prompting speculation that the Conservatives might become
the first of the main political parties to call for the decriminalisation
of soft drugs. Michael Portillo, who is backed by Mr Lilley in the
leadership race, said the issue would be considered during a policy review
if he became party leader.

But Mr Blunkett stressed that he would not be pushed into any change of
decision. "I have no intention of making a change in government policy out
of the blue and if I have anything further to say on the issue I will do so
in a considered fashion in my own time."

He added: "It doesn't matter whether one drug is less dangerous than
another. The clear message that we have to send out to young people is that
drugs are bad for you and you shouldn't take them."

Mr Blunkett's willingness to open up a debate contrasts with Tony Blair's
comments during the election campaign that he did not support changing the
law on the issue.

But some ministers believe that recent Tory statements have opened the
possibility of a review, and the Department of Health is believed to be
close to recommending some medicinal uses of cannabis.

Sir David, who has monitored the Government's drugs policies in prisons,
said that decriminalisation was needed to cut the profits of drugs barons.
"The more I think about it and the more I look at what's happening, the
more I can see the logic of legalising drugs, because the misery that is
caused by the people who are making criminal profit is so appalling. I
think there is merit in legalising and prescribing, so people don't have to
go and find an illegal way of doing it," he said.

The Labour MP Paul Flynn, a long-time campaigner for cannabis legalisation,
said: "I am optimistic about what [Mr Blunkett] said this morning. It was
very different to the previous home secretary. There is at least a
willingness to listen."