Written question asked by Lord Alderdice (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 24 October 2022, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 7 November 2022. It was answered by Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park (Conservative) on Monday, 7 November 2022 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Gustavo Petro

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the view espoused by President Gustavo Petro of Colombia that the 'war on drugs' has failed and that a new strategy, potentially involving legalisation, is required.

Answer: It is estimated that the drugs trade costs the UK £22 billion per year. The UK's ten-year plan to combat illicit drugs recognises that the effective control of these substances is a crucial tool in mitigating the harm that they cause, alongside preventing their misuse and supporting people with drug addiction in finding a route to recovery. We are committed to working bilaterally with international partners, including Colombia, to disrupt the supply chains that feed European and UK markets and we are firmly committed to our international obligations under the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs.

Secondary information