LIB DEMS BACK RADICAL DRUG REFORMS

Charles Kennedy sought a "mature" debate The Liberal Democrats have voted
in favour of the legalisation of cannabis - the first main UK party to
support such a radical move. The party's leadership had recommended
decriminalising the drug but delegates went a step further and chose
legalisation.

At the spring conference in Manchester they also voted for an end to
imprisonment for the possession of drugs - including heroin and cocaine.
The party also favoured downgrading ecstasy from a Class A to a Class B
drug. Cannabis users would no longer face prosecution Liberal Democrat home
affairs spokesman Simon Hughes said the move was "responsible, realistic
and progressive".

The BBC's political correspondent Carolyn Quinn said it was a "momentous
vote that few were expecting".

Delegates conceded that legalisation of cannabis would take time, because
it would require changes in international law.

But in the meantime, people would no longer face prosecution for possessing
or growing the drug for their own use.

Earlier, leader Charles Kennedy said that having the confidence and
maturity to discuss the issue honestly and openly did the party "no harm".
Mr Hughes said prior to Saturday's vote: "There is a growing realisation
that drugs policy must be reassessed.

"Current law neither adequately deters people from using drugs nor
maximises the chances of effective treatment."

Public services The party is also discussing defence and economic policies,
public services, and ways of attracting disaffected Conservative voters.
Other controversial proposals on the agenda include ending selection at
faith schools, cutting Britain's nuclear arsenal by 33%, and withholding
support for the "son of Star Wars" nuclear defence system being developed
by the US. Defence spokesman Paul Keetch was expected to tell the
conference: "The UK should not accept the use of UK facilities for any
missile defence system which does not enhance our security."