Pubdate: Tue, 10 Oct 2000
Source: Irish Independent (Ireland)
Copyright: Independent Newspapers (Ireland) Ltd
Contact:  http://www.independent.ie/
Author: Bob Roberts

TORIES DO U-TURN ON HARDLINE DRUG POLICY

The British Tory party yesterday retreated from their hardline 
zero-tolerance policy on drugs with party leader William Hague announcing 
the proposals would be sent back for further consultation.

Less than a week after toasting shadow home secretary Ann Widdecombe when 
she announced plans for pounds 100 fines for anyone caught with the 
smallest amount of cannabis, Mr Hague acknowledged there were ``concerns'' 
about the policy.

He said: ``The proposals we have made are on the table but they need 
further consultation, discussion and debate.''

The move will be seen as a U-turn for the Tories and a bitter blow to Miss 
Widdecombe.

Her plans had been criticised by police as well as senior figures within 
her own party and this weekend seven Conservative frontbenchers admitted 
taking cannabis when they were students.
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