HIGH TIME TO ACT OVER DRUGS

At last a major party leader has asked for a review of Britain's drug laws.
For far too long the leaders of the two biggest parties have been petrified
of being seen to be soft on drugs.

Rather than listen to the police, drug researchers and youth workers, both
main parties have preferred to meekly follow the glib "war-on-all-drugs"
line of the tabloid press.

Last weekend Charles Kennedy, the new leader of the third party, the Liberal
Democrats, broke ranks and called for a royal commission on the use of
drugs.

Stand by for some ritual voices of protest.

Ann Widdecombe, the Tory spokeswoman, was quick to air her opposition, while
a government spokesman could see no value in a royal commission because the
prime minister was against the legalisation of cannabis.

But the challenge is much bigger than that narrow issue.

The British law - the Misuse of Drugs Act - was enacted 28 years ago. Since
then there have been huge shifts in behaviour, attitudes and drug use. One
out of four young people has used at least one illegal drug. Millions have
tried cannabis.

Researchers have shown that most young people who use illicit drugs are
sociable, sensible and in control of their recreational use. But a minority
has an addiction problem, which is posing a serious challenge to society.

One-fifth of all people arrested in Britain are now on heroin.

A typical addict requires $16,000 a year to finance the habit.

There are an estimated 300,000 heroin addicts in the UK. A report this week
from the National Association for the Care and Rehabilitation of Offenders
suggests one-third of all property crime now involves drugs.

Thank goodness Kennedy spoke up. A new young leader, eager to reconnect
non-voters with the political system, is sensibly talking about issues that
are raised every day in schools, homes and pubs. People are more aware of
the complex nature of the problem and the futility of demonising all drugs.
So what is not working?

First, the law. It is too blunt and unsophisticated. Britain should adopt
the Dutch approach: decriminalise rather than legalise soft drugs.

It is time for action, but even a serious debate would be progress.