Tories urge end to cannabis trial

The Tories say David Blunkett should "think again"
The home secretary should think again about a drugs experiment "damaging" the lives of young people in London’s Brixton, according to Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith.

The "softly, softly" trial in Lambeth was simply "handing over drugs policy to criminals on the street", he claimed.

Mr Duncan Smith said he had reached this conclusion after talking to Brixton residents with shadow home secretary Oliver Letwin on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, Home Secretary David Blunkett is expected to announce the downgrading of penalties for possession and dealing of cannabis.

Under the Lambeth experiment - introduced a year ago by former Lambeth police commander Brian Paddick - those found carrying small amounts of cannabis are given a warning by police, rather than prosecuted.

"Deep concern"
Mr Duncan Smith said his reason for taking a closer look at the drugs experiment was that he believed Mr Blunkett planned to roll it out nationwide.

The Tory leader, who was heckled during his visit, stressed that it was important for politicians to meet the locals before making decisions on policy.