LIB DEMS TO BACK DRUG LAW RELAXATION

THE Liberal Democrats were today expected to become the first major
political party in the UK to support the decriminalising of cannabis.

Party members are deciding their drugs policy and other contentious issues
at their spring conference in Manchester.

Plans to downgrade ecstasy from a Class A to B drug and effectively
decriminalise cannabis, which enjoy leadership support as the result of a
formal policy review, have already drawn fire.

Delegates will also discuss the abolition of jail sentences for possession
of any drugs, including heroin and cocaine.

Leader Charles Kennedy said that having the confidence and maturity to
discuss the issue honestly and openly did the party "no harm". Home affairs
spokesman Simon Hughes said: "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."

The party will also discuss 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 per cent, 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."

A commitment to raise taxes to fund better public services could also be on
the agenda, with a keynote speech from Treasury spokesman Matthew Taylor on
the economy.

He is also expected to advocate the greater involvement of the private
sector in public services.

"The private sector has a place in delivering public services," he is
expected to say.

"It can promote innovation and choice. We would not be true to our heritage
as Liberals if we didn't believe that."