BOB AINSWORTH: LEGALISE ALL DRUGS, INCLUDING COCAINE AND HEROIN

Former minister Bob Ainsworth has called for the decriminalisation of
all drugs, including cocaine and heroin, saying that the war on drugs
cannot be won.

Mr Ainsworth, who had responsibility for drugs policy under Tony
Blair, said that current policy leaves the drug trade in the hands of
criminals, and ministers have no option but to adopt a different
approach. Bob Ainsworth has called for the legalisation of drugs (PA)
Bob Ainsworth has called for the legalisation of drugs (PA)

'Politicians and the media need to engage in a genuine and grown up
debate about alternatives to prohibition, so that we can build a
consensus based on delivering the best outcomes for our children and
communities,' he said.

'Prohibition has failed to protect us.'

The Labour MP for Coventry north-east called for a system of legal
regulation which would see various drugs either being prescribed by
doctors or sold under licence.

'It is time to replace our failed war on drugs with a strict system of
legal regulation, to make the world a safer, healthier place,
especially for our children,' he said.

'We must take the trade away from organised criminals and hand it to
the control of doctors and pharmacists.'

However, all three main political parties remain strongly opposed to a
change in legislation.

Earlier this month, home secretary Theresa May outlined the
government's drug strategy which will focus on reducing supply and
providing support for recovery.

The measures included plans to strip addicts of their benefits if they
refuse treatment and fail to meet the normal requirements for
financial support.