Pubdate: Mon, 15 Jul 2002
Source: Times, The (UK)
Copyright: 2002 Times Newspapers Ltd
Contact:  http://www.the-times.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/454
Author: Melissa Kite

CANNABIS MUST STAY ILLEGAL, SAYS MILBURN

ALAN MILBURN pledged yesterday that the Government would never 
decriminalise cannabis, in a sign of Cabinet unease at David Blunkett's 
relaxing of the drug laws. 

The Health Secretary pointed out the dangers 
of using cannabis and refused to back the "softly softly" approach to the 
drug adopted by police in the area of London where he lives. Interviewed on 
BBC1's Breakfast With Frost, Mr Milburn said: "We will never decriminalise 
cannabis. We will always maintain vigilance as far as drugs are concerned." 

The downgrading of cannabis from Class B to Class C had been undertaken 
only because of the advice of experts, he said. The move means that 
possession will no longer be an arrestable offence. 

The Health Secretary, 
who has a home in Brixton, where Commander Brian Paddick pioneered not 
prosecuting cannabis users, would have to sort things out if the 
reclassification led to a rise in drug-dealing and addiction. Other Labour 
figures to express concern include Kate Hoey, whose Vauxhall seat includes 
Brixton.Another Labour MP, Irene Adams, who represents Paisley North, said 
that the Government's policy was "tantamount to telling a child that he 
can't have a sweet but that if he takes it from a drawer behind your back 
that's all right". 

Asked about the Brixton experiment, Mr Milburn said: 
"I have had a conversation with Kate. I live in the area where the 
experiment was. There are mixed views. Arrests for Class A drugs 
trafficking increased, so I think that is quite interesting." 

On allowing 
medicinal use of cannabis, he said: "This is a difficult one. I have 
listened to the views of people with MS (multiple sclerosis). We will make 
a decision based on the clinical evidence." 

Michael Howard, the Shadow 
Chancellor and former Tory Home Secretary, told the programme: "I think 
David Blunkett has made a mistake and I would be astonished if when we 
return to government we stick to the policy."
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MAP posted-by: Derek