Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Sadiq Khan to set up drugs commission to consider legalisation of cannabis

London mayor says it is ‘time for fresh ideas about how to reduce the harms drugs and drug-related crimes cause’

Jess Glass
Monday 05 April 2021 23:39 BST
Comments
Sadiq Khan said it was time for ‘fresh ideas’ to reduce drugs harm
Sadiq Khan said it was time for ‘fresh ideas’ to reduce drugs harm (PA)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Sadiq Khan will establish a new commission to examine the use of drugs in the capital if he is re-elected as mayor of London next month.

The Labour incumbent has pledged to start the group of independent experts for "fresh ideas" if he wins a new mandate in the May 6 election.

These experts from fields including criminal justice, community relations and public health, will examine evidence on the harms of drugs, support services and prevention, the effectiveness of current laws as well as tackling the root causes of crime.

It would be expected to report to the Mayor with policy recommendations including for City Hall, the police, health services and central Government.

The Guardian reported that according to a source close to the mayor, Mr Khan would be willing to consider supporting changes to the legal status of cannabis if that is the view of the commission.

This view regarding the class B drug could differ from other members of his party after Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said he did not support decriminalising the possession of cannabis.

Read more:

Police boss wants to trial giving cannabis to prisoners

How Scotland’s medical cannabis clinic sits within the drugs debate

However, Sir Keir said in February there "may be something" in initiatives to issue cautions for low-level crimes and there is "always room for grown-up debate" on the issue.

If re-elected, the work of Mr Khan's commission would build on research assessing how effective cannabis enforcement is at tackling violence in the capital.

Mr Khan said: "It's time for fresh ideas about how to reduce the harms drugs and drug-related crimes cause to individuals, families and communities.

"The illegal drugs trade causes huge damage to our society - driving serious and violent crime, damaging people's health and criminalising too many young people.

"That's why, if I'm re-elected, I will establish a new London Drugs Commission comprised of independent experts to examine the latest evidence from around the world.

"The commission will make recommendations focusing on the most effective laws to tackle crime, protect Londoners' health and reduce the huge damage that illegal drugs, including cannabis, cause to our communities and society."

PA

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in