Sian Davis is not amused by Clegg’s call for decriminalisation.
Back in May 2010 (the honeymoon period of the Conservative-Liberal Democrat Coalition), prime minister David Cameron squirmed with embarrassment after a reporter reminded him that when asked for his favourite political joke he had previously answered ‘Nick Clegg’ – Liberal Democrat leader, newly appointed deputy PM, and Cameron’s Coalition partner.
But Clegg seems to be living up to Cameron’s first assessment of him, by supporting fines for people found smoking cigarettes in their cars AND calling for reform of drugs laws so that possession of cannabis, for example, would no longer be treated as a crime.
This means we could end up with a conviction for smoking fags, yet go free if only enjoying a joint.
As in, ‘sorry, officer, I didn’t realise it contained tobacco.’
Laughable? You couldn’t make it up.
If cannabis use is ever decriminalised, presumably Clegg’s recent proposal to spend more on the mental health budget will be further expanded to take account of paranoia, anxiety and even the increased risk of developing schizophrenia, all of which are associated with long term use of the drug.
Cannabis use is widespread among young people throughout East London, and Clegg is no doubt keen to pick up votes among naïve, first-time voters in a general election.
But given how quickly he stopped opposing university tuition fees, it would be foolish to rely on what he says about decriminalising drug use – laughable or not.