BROWN BLAST AT DRUGGY CELEBS

PM Warns 'Stars Are Not Above The Law'

Gordon Brown yesterday launched a ferocious attack on drug-taking
celebrities who think they are above the law.

The PM condemned the "unacceptable behaviour" of stars who are role
models to millions of youngsters.

Mr Brown spoke out as his allies revealed that he will NOT torpedo
this week's Tory conference by calling a snap election.

But he is "seriously considering" holding a poll on November 1, which
is now seen as a more likely option than November 8, a source close
to the PM revealed.

Yesterday, Mr Brown was joined by Olympic hero Kelly Holmes as he
fired his broadside on celebrity drug users.

He did not name names - but it was seen as a stinging rebuke to the
drug-fuelled antics of celebrities such as Amy Winehouse, Pete
Doherty and Kate Moss.

He also gave a clear signal to the police and courts to take a
tougher line on offenders who continually flout the law - such as
Babyshambles frontman Doherty.

Mr Brown declared: "We have got celebrities who take a very casual
attitude to drugs, who think their standing in the community makes
them above the law on these matters.

"We have to send a very clear message not only that we will not
decriminalise drugs, but that this is unacceptable behaviour and the
vast majority of our young people will never fall for this.

"We have to make it clear that we as a community stand up against
those who would sell drugs, those who would be casual in their
attitude to drugs and those who think that they are above the law
when it comes to drugs."

He said Kelly would help highlight the need for celebrities to be
role models and hammer home the message that drugs are "completely
unacceptable" as part of a wider drive to improve standards in
schools. Mr Brown said: "Winners don't take drugs."

Meanwhile, Mr Brown was due to spend today at his Chequers home with
Alan Greenspan - ex-chairman of the US Federal Reserve - discussing
the world economy.

But Downing Street insiders said he would also study Labour's
internal polling data ahead of a decision on an election date. A key
factor in the PM's decision is the cash being pumped into marginal
seats by Tory donor Lord Ashcroft.