HIGH DAYS AND HOLIDAYS

The Independent on Sunday was the first national newspaper to campaign for
the legalisation of cannabis. So we give David Blunkett a single cheer for
announcing that cannabis users will no longer be automatically charged. But
he has sent out conflicting signals. Under his latest proposals, dealers
face even tougher penalties, while police will still be able to arrest
people for possessing cannabis "where public order is threatened".

So what is the Government's overall message?

The Home Secretary appears to be suggesting simultaneously that cannabis is
more harmful than alcohol, and that it is no more harmful than alcohol.

In trying to please everyone he has left us all in a muddle. This is
probably because the Government itself is confused. At first, Jack Straw,
Mr Blunkett's predecessor, took a hard line against soft drugs and was
amazed to find his conservative approach being attacked by the right-wing
press. A more self-confident government would seek an approach that
balanced personal freedom with the need to reduce crime and prevent people
from using more harmful drugs.

Mr Blunkett has too many items in his in tray. Any single week sees him
announcing new policies on asylum-seekers, reforming the criminal justice
system, modernising the police and negotiating public spending with the
Treasury. He needs a holiday. In the autumn, a refreshed Home Secretary
should revisit his muddled approach to cannabis. Public opinion seems at
ease with a liberalisation of the law. Increasingly, this is the view of
thoughtful Conservatives, too.

He should be bolder.

Only then will he deserve more than a single cheer.