Moves to ban fatal 'party drug'

Sussex University student Hester Stewart died after taking GBL

So-called "party drug" GBL is being banned for human consumption as quickly as possible, the government has said.

It follows a campaign by the family of Hester Stewart, 21 - who died after taking the substance in Brighton - for GBL to be classified as a Class C drug.

Home Secretary Alan Johnson said that under current consultation GBL would be banned "at the very least".

Police are investigating whether the medical student unknowingly took the drug while out with friends in April.

Officers have said toxicology tests showed the Sussex university student's death was due to GBL in conjunction with alcohol.

GBL is already banned for personal use in several countries, including the US and Sweden.

Mr Johnson told the Home Affairs select committee that he met the Stewart family and told them that current consultation "will at the very least ban this drug for human consumption".

The consultation was due to finish this summer, with statutory processes planned to take place in October, he added.

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Home Affairs select committee chairman Keith Vaz hears an update from Alan Johnson on moves to ban GBL