Sadiq Khan says some cannabis possession should be decriminalised
London mayor Sadiq Khan has backed calls for the possession of small quantities of natural cannabis to be decriminalised.
Sir Sadiq said a new report, published by the independent London Drugs Commission (LDC) today, provides “a compelling, evidence-based case” for the government to consider the move.
Under current laws, cannabis is a Class B drug and people found in possession face a fine or imprisonment.
The LDC, set up by the mayor in 2022 and chaired by former lord chancellor Lord Charlie Falconer, has said the current laws on cannabis are “disproportionate to the harms it can pose”.
Its study examined how the drug is policed around the world – and also found cannabis policing “continues to focus on particular ethnic communities,” damaging their relations with law enforcement.
The commission stops short of calling for full decriminalisation and instead says “natural” cannabis should be moved from the Misuse of Drugs Act to the Psychoactive Substances Act.
Sadiq Khan walking through cannabis plants at a licensed factory in Los Angeles in 2022. File pic: PA
This would effectively legalise the possession of small amounts for personal use while continuing to prohibit importing, manufacturing or distributing the drug.
The LDC is also calling for improved addiction services and better education on the dangers of cannabis for young people.
Sir Sadiq said: “I’ve long been clear that we need fresh thinking on how to reduce the substantial harms associated with drug-related crime in our communities.”
The report “makes a compelling, evidenced-based case for the decriminalisation of possession of small quantities of natural cannabis which the government should consider,” he added.
“It says that the current sentencing for those caught in possession of natural cannabis cannot be justified given its relative harm and people’s experience of the justice system.
“We must recognise that better education, improved healthcare and more effective, equitable policing of cannabis use are long overdue.”
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Lord Falconer said: “Legalisation is not the answer. The criminal justice system response needs to focus only on the dealers and not the users.
“Those who suffer from the adverse effects of cannabis – which may be a small percentage of users but it is a high number of people – need reliable, consistent medical and other support. And there needs to be much more education on the risks of cannabis use.”
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Government and Tories respond
A Home Office spokesperson said the government “has no intention of reclassifying cannabis from a Class B substance”.
“We will continue to work with partners across health, policing and wider public services to drive down drug use, ensure more people receive timely treatment and support, and make our streets and communities safer,” they added.
The Conservatives have rubbished Sir Sadiq’s suggestion, with shadow home secretary Chris Philp saying: “Cannabis is associated with anti-social behaviour and heavy use can lead to serious psychosis and severed mental health problems.
“US and Canadian cities which tried this approach have ended up as crime-ridden ghettos with stupefied addicts on the streets and law-abiding citizens frightened to go there.”
Former anti-corruption minister Tulip Siddiq is set to face trial later this month over corruption allegations in Bangladesh.
Ms Siddiq resigned from her ministerial role earlier this year over accusations she illegally received a plot of land in a new high-end development on the outskirts of Dhaka, Bangladesh’s capital, from her aunt, Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted as prime minister last year.
Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) claims the Labour MP received a 7,200sq ft plot in the diplomatic zone through “abuse of power and influence”.
The ACC confirmed Ms Siddiq’s case is due to be heard in Bangladesh on 11 August.
A top official at the Commission told Sky News that if the Labour MP refuses to attend court on this date, a trial will be held in her absence.
It is understood she will not be present.
Ms Siddiq’s lawyers have denied the allegations against her.
Tulip Siddiq with Sheikh Hasina in 2009. Pic: Reuters
Sky News understands an article published on Thursday morning saying the Labour MP for Hampstead and Highgate will face trial in Bangladesh over the allegations is the first Ms Siddiq had heard of the court date.
A source close to Ms Siddiq told Sky News her lawyer was in court every day last week to request information, but was denied it.
An ACC official said Ms Siddiq’s lawyer “was absent in the court” when the court order was issued on Thursday.
They added that the order relates to three cases involving Ms Siddiq and others – all regarding corruption around the Purbachal new town project.
The Commission will continue to take steps “to ensure justice against the perpetrators”, the official said.
Ms Siddiq’s lawyer said: “For nearly a year now, the Bangladesh authorities have been making false allegations against Tulip Siddiq.
“Ms Siddiq has not been contacted or received any official communication from the court and does not and has never owned any plot of land in Purbachal.
“This longstanding politically motivated smear campaign has included repeated briefings to the media, a refusal to respond to formal legal correspondence, and a failure to seek any meeting with or question Ms Siddiq during the recent visit by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to the United Kingdom.
“Such conduct is wholly incompatible with the standards of a fair, lawful, and credible investigation.
“In light of these facts, it is now time for the Chief Adviser and the ACC to end this baseless and defamatory effort to damage Ms Siddiq’s reputation and obstruct her work in public service.”
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In June, Ms Siddiq accused Bangladesh’s interim leader, Nobel Prize-winning economist Professor Muhammad Yunus, of conducting an “orchestrated campaign” to damage her reputation and “interfere with UK politics”.
In a legal letter seen by Sky News in June, the MP also said comments made by Professor Yunus in a Sky News interview have prejudiced her right to a fair investigation, meaning the corruption inquiries should be dropped.
The interim leader, who took over after Ms Hasina was ousted last year following violent protests, said Ms Siddiq “has so many (sic) wealth left behind here” and “should be made responsible”.
Sheikh Hasina fled Bangladesh after being accused of rigging elections and interfering with the judicial system. Pic: AP/ Yomiuri Shimbun
Professor Yunus’ press secretary said he and the ACC “has no reason and scope to interfere in UK politics”.
“The Anti-Corruption Commission relies not on hearsay but on documentary evidence and witness testimony,” they said.
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