Lets Talk About Drugs

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Sun 20th Sep 2009

With comments likely to be seen by many as controversial, Graham Watson MEP will use the Liberal Democrat Conference in Bournemouth to call for radical changes to UK drug policy.

The South West Euro-MP is critical of the money wasted by a series of governments attempting in vain to stop the demand for drugs in Britain. Watson will tell the fringe meeting that money would be better spent elsewhere.

Ahead of the meeting, he said:

"Millions of pounds are wasted in the hopeless battle to stem the flow of drugs. We would be much more successful in reducing drug use if we funded a decent education and support programme for those most in need."

"We should arm individuals with the knowledge they need to make their own choices, and focus on providing everyone with good opportunities and prospects so that a life of drugs makes no sense."

"Prohibition has failed; it is time drug policy was based on sensible ideas that will get results."