Blunkett relaxes cannabis laws
David Blunkett was accused of sending mixed messages on cannabis today as he prepared to unveil concessions to police and anti-drugs campaigners.
The Home Secretary will effectively decriminalise cannabis use as part of a wide-ranging package of drugs law reforms expected on Wednesday.
The substance will be reclassified from Class B to Class C, so that its use is no longer an arrestable offence and people caught in possession of small amounts will face nothing worse than a penalty ticket.
But Mr Blunkett will couple the move with plans to get tough on cannabis dealers and those who use it near schools.
The maximum sentence for dealing in Class C drugs is expected to be doubled from five years to 10.
Cannabis use "with aggravating factors" will remain an arrestable offence, allowing police to move in on anyone found smoking the drug outside a school or while operating machinery.
A new anti-drugs campaign will also focus on the health risks of cannabis. Home Office sources admitted that the aim was to reassure the public that the Government was not going soft on drugs.
Mr Blunkett's idea of relaxing the law on cannabis has met a mixed response. The all-party Commons Home Affairs Committee supported the move.
However, police chiefs and some ministers fear that decriminalisation could increase cannabis use.
The experiment in Lambeth, where users no longer face arrest, has released police for other duties but local Labour MP Kate Hoey claims that more dealers are now targeting the area. Mr Blunkettis also under pressure over airport security, police reforms, rising crime and asylum.
He was writing to airline chiefs today in an attempt to defuse the row over his request for extra information about all air passengers. Airlines claim it will cost millions and bring huge delays.
The Police Bill starts its final passage through the Commons this week, giving the Home Secretary powers to take over failing police forces. Chief constables have protested against the threat of political control.
