Written question asked by Lord Moynihan (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Browning (Conservative) on Monday, 4 July 2011.

Drugs

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will publish a response to the 2011 Global Commission on Drug Policy; and what is their assessment of the authors' view that the global war on drugs has failed.

Answer: The report published by the 2011 Global Commission on Drug Policy was not commissioned by the Government and we will not be making a formal response to it. Drugs destroy lives and cause untold misery to families and communities. The Government have a duty to protect the public, not least vulnerable people. We are determined to participate fully in responding to global drug issues by meeting our obligations under the international conventions on reducing drug misuse and trafficking. Our priorities are clear: we want to reduce drug use, crack down on drug related crime and disorder and help dependent users come off drugs for good and contribute to society.

Secondary information