Blunkett calls for cannabis debate

The legalisation of cannabis takes centre stage

Home Secretary David Blunkett has called for an "adult debate" on the reform of the cannabis law, paving the way for a possible rethink in government policy.

But he said there would not be rapid decisions on the legalisation or decriminalisation of the drug.

Campaigners for legalisation have welcomed his comments, which contrast markedly from the government's statement last week that it remained opposed to any change in the law.

I have no intention of making a change in government policy out of the blue

Home Secretary David Blunkett

Mr Blunkett told Sky News's Sunday with Adam Boulton: "There is room for an adult, intelligent debate but it isn't 'are you for or against?'

"It's let's think, let's consider, let's not be pushed by articles in newspapers or hysteria."

He said he was interested in the debate but was not about to announce a sudden change in policy.

"I have no intention of making a change in government policy out of the blue.

"If I have anything further to say on the issue I will do so in a considered fashion in my own time."

He reiterated that the government had to give a clear anti-drugs message.

"It doesn't matter whether one drug is less dangerous than another.

Anti-drugs message

"The clear message that we have to send out to young people is that drugs are bad for you and you shouldn't take them," he said.

Blunkett: Time to consider the debate

"That applies obviously to Class A drugs like heroin and crack cocaine but it is equally true of others".

He said otherwise young people would be misled into thinking that there was an "easy way forward" on the drugs issue.

Only last week a Downing Street spokesman said the government's policy to keep the ban remained.

Mr Blunkett has already welcomed an experiment by police in Lambeth, in south London, not to prosecute in minor cases of cannabis possession in order to concentrate on tackling Class A drugs.

Former deputy Tory leader Peter Lilley, who prompted renewed debate by his call last week for cannabis to be legalised, said Mr Blunkett's comments were a move in "the right direction".

He has already argued the current law is unenforceable.

Confused stance

On the same programme Mr Lilley accused the government of being previously confused in its stance.

"Tony Blair says he has got to uphold the law and protect his children, but it doesn't apply in Lambeth where black children can be exposed to these sort of drugs."

Labour MP Paul Flynn, a campaigner for cannabis legalisation, welcomed Mr Blunkett's willingness to listen, in contrast to his predecessor Jack Straw.

"The policy was to put your head under the pillow and hide," said Mr Flynn.

For the Liberal Democrats, who are reviewing their position, home affairs spokesman Simon Hughes said Mr Blunkett was right to be cautious.

I believe the failure of the present legal regime must be a very strong reason for change

Simon Hughes, Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman

He said Britain should follow the example of other European countries, where the law had been changed after informed research.

But he added: "I believe the failure of the present legal regime must be a very strong reason for change."

Two former home secretaries, Liberal Democrat Lord Jenkins of Hillhead and the Tory, Lord Baker of Dorking, told the Sunday Times they favoured decriminalisation.

And an opinion poll for the Independent on Sunday found resistance to the legalisation of cannabis wavering.

The NOP survey found that 51% opposed legalisation, compared with 37% who were in favour.

This compared with 66% against legalisation and 26% in favour in its 1996 survey.