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Drugs Policy

I want to cite a couple of people who support the right hon. Gentleman's position. Sir Ian Gilmore, the former president of the Royal College of Physicians, argues that decriminalising illicit use could"““drastically reduce crime and improve health.””" The chairman of the Bar Council, Nicholas Green, QC, says:"““A growing body of comparative evidence suggests that decriminalising personal use can have positive consequences. It can free up huge amounts of police resources, reduce crime and recidivism and improve public health. All of this can be achieved without any overall increase in drug usage.””" We are not short of any allies on this side of the Chamber.