“Heroin addiction is the cause of many of our crime problems, because addicts commit crimes to feed their habit. Treating them as patients and giving them free clean heroin means we can remove their need to fund their addiction and thereby cut crime radically”, explained Jenny.
“A Green approach to drug addiction could cut crime by two-thirds without needing a single extra bobby on the beat”, said Jenny.
“Labour has totally failed to be tough on the causes of crime, which are mainly drug-related", declared Shane Collins, the Green Party’s drugs spokesperson.
"It’s hardly surprising that some of Labour’s own MPs are closer to the Greens’ views than those of their own party.
Labour’s crime policies simply aren’t working”, concluded Shane.
ENDS
NOTES FOR EDITORS
1. Jenny Jones is a member of the Metropolitan Police Authority
2. The Cleveland Police Report 1999 concluded: "Attempts to restrict availability of drugs have failed, so far everywhere…if prohibition does not work…then an alternative approach must be found…the most obvious alternative approach is the legalisation and subsequent regulation of some or all drugs."
3. The Green Party current policies on drugs are * Re-legalise cannabis without further delay * Dutch ‘coffee shops’ or ‘pot pubs’ system to be permitted and regulated. Allow people to grow their own cannabis * Decriminalise recreational drugs such as speed and ecstasy * No advertising or sponsorship for any drug (alcohol, tobacco cannabis or any other) * Treat heroin addiction as a health issue and not a crime problem * Promote maintenance treatment * Ensure immediate research funding into Ibogaine and its ability to interrupt opiate addiction without withdrawal effects * Repeal Public Entertainment (Drugs Misuse) Act (the Barry Legg Act) which has held back harm reduction in clubs * In the medium term we aim to take the drug trade out of criminal control and made it available in a legal environment. A Royal Drug Commission could decide the details of how this system will be regulated and licensed
ENDS
For further information and interviews with Jenny Jones and Shane Collins please contact Keith MagnumLondon Green Party Media Team 07739 968 825