The Conservatives have accused the government of having a defeatist attitude in the war against drugs, saying some ministers were sending out a "mixed and confused" message on the issue.

Tory leader William Hague was unveiling his party's new drugs policy which aims to give headteachers more powers to implement anti-drugs initiatives in schools while toughening up sentencing.

The seven point plans also includes custodial sentences for people caught in possession of drugs within 400 yards of a school.

Mr Hague said: "The government and its spokesmen send out mixed and confused and weak signals on drugs.

"I believe that Mo Mowlam and Keith Hellawell are simply wrong to call for a softer approach to those who use or deal in cannabis. The evidence of a link between the use of soft drugs and hard drugs is compelling.

"For ministers to imply that some laws on drugs are not worth enforcing is to throw in the towel. It is irresponsible, short sighted, it's defeatist."

'Government given up'

Last month, Dr Mowlam, the Cabinet Office minister who is responsible for co-ordinating the government's anti-drug strategy, confessed to smoking cannabis at university but said she had not enjoyed the experience.

At the weekend, the drugs czar Mr Hellawell called for police to stop pursuing cannabis users so rigorously and focus on drugs which cause "the major harm".

Mr Hague continued: "Tony Blair's government has clearly given up on a major part of the fight against drugs.

"Ministers are reduced to issuing appeals for tolerance and calling turning a blind eye to soft drugs some sort of strategy."

But Mr Hague refused to criticise ministers for admitting to taking drugs.

"We're looking to the future, we're not dealing with people's personal past," said Mr Hague.

"Obviously we disapprove of the use of drugs but we would welcome politicians of all parties to speak clearly on this, whatever.

"We're not going to campaign against ministers on the basis they took drugs in the past. Nor are we going to say they can't be shadow ministers."