logo
Labour minister hits out at Sadiq Khan's call for cannabis law reform

Labour minister hits out at Sadiq Khan's call for cannabis law reform

Independent28-05-2025

A Labour minister has rejected Sir Sadiq Khan 's calls for the partial decriminalisation of cannabis, stating that the government's stance 'remains unchanged'.
London 's mayor backed a report by the London Drugs Commission (LDC), which recommends that natural cannabis be removed from the Misuse of Drugs Act.
The LDC, set up by Sir Sadiq in 2022 and chaired by former lord chancellor Lord Charlie Falconer, found the current laws on cannabis were 'disproportionate to the harms it can pose' following a study of how the drug is policed around the world.
Housing minister Matthew Pennycook said that whilst the London mayor is 'entitled to his view on the matter', there is no intention to reclassify the class B drug.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Sarina Wiegman defends England's build-up to Euro 2025 and insists her Lionesses have 'moved on' after string of key players withdraw before the tournament
Sarina Wiegman defends England's build-up to Euro 2025 and insists her Lionesses have 'moved on' after string of key players withdraw before the tournament

Daily Mail​

time13 minutes ago

  • Daily Mail​

Sarina Wiegman defends England's build-up to Euro 2025 and insists her Lionesses have 'moved on' after string of key players withdraw before the tournament

Sarina Wiegman insists England's Euro 2025 preparations are not being undermined by a crisis as she sought to move on from the most challenging week of her reign. The women's head coach revealed the 23 names she will take to Switzerland next month to defend the title they famously won three years ago but the atmosphere around St George's Park is considerably different now to how it was back then. Aside from seeing England lose 2-1 in Spain on Tuesday, Wiegman has had to contend with the unexpected retirements of goalkeeper Mary Earps and midfielder Fran Kirby, as well the withdrawal of defender Millie Bright – they have all been huge characters in the Dutchwoman's four-year reign. This has been a remarkable narrative and while Wiegman bristled when the comparison was made, you did not have to think too hard about what the reaction would be like if, for example, Jordan Pickford, Jack Grealish and John Stones made similar decisions before a men's tournament. What could Wiegman say, then, to show that the events of the last seven days have not left an indelible mark on confidence and planning? 'That is not the case,' she insisted. 'We know what is happening in the team. I think – and hope – there is competition going on in the team. I feel very comfortable. I'm very happy with the team and I'm very excited and I'm looking forward to it. For me, it doesn't feel like a crisis at all.' Perhaps but the only way she will be able to prove that emphatically is through what her team do on the pitch; they face Jamaica on June 29 before starting what appears to be a 'Group of Death' against France on July 5 in Zurich; The Netherlands and Wales are their other opponents. It was clear to see Wiegman would love nothing more than to talk about the future – 'can we talk about the players that are here?' she asked at one stage – but it's very hard to do when figures as big as Earps, Kirby and Bright are suddenly no longer available. Earps, of the three, raises the biggest eyebrow. Wiegman, theoretically, could still call her into the squad, as UEFA have a clause that allows goalkeepers injured in the tournament to be replaced but it won't happen, as the pair haven't spoken since the 32-year-old went public with her decision. Plenty believe Earps made her decision from a fit of pique, given that Wiegman had made it clear to the PSG keeper she was no longer first choice, that role having gone to Chelsea's Hannah Hampton. You also wonder why a player would retire, as being an international is the ultimate recognition. 'There were no calls (with Earps) – that is done now,' said Wiegman. 'There are two different situations and it is sad they are not in the team. I will always cherish what we have had we had such an incredible journey. But as this moment, we have moved on. 'You have to look at every individual situation. Some will say 'ok, I've had such an incredible time but it's time to move on.' That is what we hope – there is a natural progression and transition within the group. It's up the players to make the decision themselves.'

XL bully owner admits offences after fatal attack near Banbury
XL bully owner admits offences after fatal attack near Banbury

BBC News

time13 minutes ago

  • BBC News

XL bully owner admits offences after fatal attack near Banbury

A woman has admitted having two XL bullies which were dangerously out of control and killed another Roberts, 36, admitted two counts of possession of a fighting dog and two counts of allowing the dogs to be in a public place without a muzzle or lead at Oxford Magistrates' Court on of De La Warr Drive, Banbury, also admitted two counts of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control and one count of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected charges relate to an incident in which a schnoodle dog, Winnie, was killed by the two XL bullies, Kobi and Kardi, in Hanwell, near Banbury, on 26 March. Roberts' sentencing was adjourned for a pre-sentence report to be prepared. She will be sentenced at the magistrates' court on 18 July. You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.

Lack of Devon and Cornwall transport funding criticised
Lack of Devon and Cornwall transport funding criticised

BBC News

time13 minutes ago

  • BBC News

Lack of Devon and Cornwall transport funding criticised

The government has been accused of leaving Devon and Cornwall behind in terms of transport Rachel Reeves announced £15.6bn of funding for transport projects across parts of England including Greater Manchester, the Midlands, West England and Yorkshire on and business leaders based in Devon and Cornwall have criticised the government for overlooking the region after no money was earmarked for projects in either Department for Transport (DfT) said it was committed to delivering infrastructure that would boost the whole country. 'Underfunded services' Leigh Frost, leader of Cornwall Council, said the county's roadwork of more than 4,500 miles (7,242km) would have to be maintained with limited Liberal Democrat councillor said: "Our residents deserve a reliable, affordable, and integrated public transport system."Instead, we're left to struggle with making the Cornish pound stretch further to support our underfunded services, while other areas receive the lion's share of investment."Ben Maguire, Lib Dem MP for North Cornwall, said the county had "yet again been overlooked" by the government and the area deserved much better."We've had promises of 'levelling up', but this £15bn plan doesn't offer a single penny for our region," Mr Maguire added. Lib Dem MP for St Ives Andrew George accused the government of targeting "handpicked mayoral zones" with its £15.6bn of George added: "So we're expected to believe this is a politically neutral decision based on need?"Cornwall's Chamber of Commerce said transport consistently ranked as the top priority for businesses in the county, but said there was still not enough support from the Brown, the chamber's chief executive, said Cornwall was being left behind."Our businesses struggle daily with connectivity issues that limit growth potential," he said. "While metro mayors across England receive billions for trams and mass transit, Cornwall's economy continues to be hampered by inadequate bus services and rail connections that fail to meet business needs." 'Languishing behind' The funding announcement also received criticism in Smith, Conservative MP for South West Devon, said she was "deeply disappointed" that no money had been given to Devon or Cornwall."Anyone living in our corner of the UK will know that our transport infrastructure languishes behind the rest of the nation," Ms Smith said."I have warned before that the South West risks becoming Labour's forgotten region. It seems this remains true." 'Pushing our government' Jayne Kirkham, Labour MP for Truro and Falmouth, defended the government, saying the funding was focused on city said she and Perran Moon, Labour MP for Camborne and Redruth, had been told more help was expected in Spending Review due to be set out by the chancellor on 11 June."We will be pushing and pushing and pushing our government to make sure we get as much as we can for Cornwall, because we know how much we need it here," Ms Kirkham DfT said Wednesday's announcement would help more than a quarter of England's population get better transport infrastructure.A spokesperson added decisions on future transport spending would be announced as part of the Spending Review."We are committed to delivering transport infrastructure that will boost growth and opportunity across the whole country, as part of our 'Plan for Change'," the spokesperson said."This includes investing in Cornwall – where this year alone we are already providing £10m towards better bus services, up to £48m for highways and local transport maintenance and £1.1m to enable better walking, wheeling and cycling opportunities."

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store
Labour minister hits out at Sadiq Khan's call for cannabis law reform