Hunt: Sacking delayed is disgrace multiplied.

This afternoon in parliament.

 

Paul Flynn (Newport West) (Lab):

Will the Prime Minister demonstrate his new enthusiasm for sacking failures by example and exhortation, and sack the Culture Secretary? A sacking delayed is a disgrace multiplied.

Mr Prisk:

I think that you, Mr Speaker, would rightly rule me out of order if I went as far as that; and if you did not, the Prime Minister might.

Mr Speaker:

I am grateful to the Minister, and to colleagues for their pithy questioning.

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Mark Lancaster (Milton Keynes North) (Con):

What recent assessment she has made of any link between sales of the drug khat and serious organised crime; and if she will make a statement.[108043]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (James Brokenshire):

The Government are currently reviewing the case for control of khat under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs will consider all available evidence, including any links with serious organised crime. Its advice will inform the Home Secretary’s decision.

Mark Lancaster:

The UK will shortly become the only legal port of entry for the drug khat in western Europe, so what steps will the Government take to ensure that the UK does not become a drug smuggling hub for the rest of Europe?

James Brokenshire:

I know that my hon. Friend has followed this issue with close interest. The Government are monitoring the situation carefully and seeking evidence from the Serious Organised Crime Agency and others to inform the advice of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs. That advice is due in October, earlier than expected, and we will form our final decision on the basis of that.

Paul Flynn (Newport West) (Lab):

Will the Minister study the evidence that every ban on every new drug since 1971 has resulted in an increase in that drug’s use? A ban on khat will not only increase its use but drive a wedge between the police and the Somali and Yemeni communities. Is this a sensible idea?

James Brokenshire:

We will form our decision based on the evidence and the information provided by the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs. I do not accept the hon. Gentleman’s characterisation; bans can be very effective. For example, part of the problem with legal highs has been that young people have been taking them because they equated legality with safety. That is why we have taken action in that sphere and we will continue to take action on the legal framework

 

Comments

[HuwOS]

"For example, part of the problem with legal highs has been that young people have been taking them because they equated legality with safety."

There are no stupidities too far for some.
If that equation had been made by anyone, then surely it would have been that due to entirely misinformed unreason people might think that all dangerous drugs are subject to prohibition.
As opposed to knowing, what every adult and most children already should know; that all drugs, legal or otherwise have potential dangers.
Which adds yet another situation to the problems caused by prohibition increasing even further the lead it has over the problems caused purely by the use or misuse of the substances being prohibited.