THIS TEAM CAN DELIVER RESULTS IN DRUGS WAR

IN THE fight against illegal substance abuse, Keith Hellawell, the
government-appointed drugs czar, often seemed to epitomise the New
Labour stereotype of style over content. The role consistently failed
to live up to the title. That was evident when Mr Hellawell admitted
last October that the availability of cocaine and heroin had not been
reduced in the last two years since his appointment.

So his forthcoming replacement by the political trio of Mo Mowlam, Ian
McCartney and Home Office minister Charles Clarke must be seen as a
sign that the Government has woken up to the fact that this problem
will not be solved by the creation of a flashy title such as drugs
czar. The change could also be inspired by the recognition that, like
transport before it, neglect has turned the drug issue into a
potential hot potato.

However, there appears to be good sense behind the new appointments.
Ms Mowlam will be able to put this issue at the heart of the Cabinet
agenda. Following the death of his own son from a drugs overdose, Mr
McCartney has the personal drive to take on this crusade and Mr Clarke
is someone not afraid to upset the apple cart. These are all people
who can deliver results. Tony Blair has chosen the right people for
this difficult job. Now he must give the appropriate backing to get to
grips with a scourge that has haunted this country for long enough.