Minister to undertake fact-finding mission on illegal drugs policy

Crime Prevention Minister Jeremy Browne is being despatched to countries such as Portugal, which has “depenalised” small-scale possession, to gather evidence on what works.

But MPs’ calls for a wide-ranging Royal Commission, backed by Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, have been rejected by the Government.

The fact-finding mission was unveiled in response to the Commons Home Affairs Committee which concluded last year that British policy was not working. After a year-long study, it said Ministers could learn from Portugal, where possession of small amounts of illegal drugs is not subject to criminal penalties.

In its response, the Home Office said a Commission was “simply not necessary” and the Government “has no intention of decriminalising drugs”.

“Nonetheless, we must continue to listen and learn from emerging trends, new evidence and international comparators,” it continued.

It said Lib Dem Mr Browne would look at “countries that cover a spectrum of approaches to drug policy, and assess their effectiveness in cutting drug use and reducing harm to individuals and communities”, with Portugal the first of a number of visits.

The select committee also urged the Government to study Washington and Colorado in the United States – where cannabis is being legalised – and Uruguay, where a state monopoly of cannabis production and sale is being proposed.

“We expect to find examples of good practice that might be considered in the UK,” the Home Office response noted.