Downing Street Says

» Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Cannabis

Asked if the Government intended to reclassify Cannabis, the PMS replied that the Government’s position was that there was an independent review by the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs that was ongoing. The review had not yet reported, so the Government was waiting for the outcome of that review.

Blasphemy

In response to whether the Government had a position on Blasphemy, the PMS said that the Government’s position was that it fully understood the case set out by those who wished to abolish the offence of blasphemy. In particular, following the decision of the High Court in December, that the Theatres Act 1968 and the Broadcasting Act 1990 prevented the prosecution of a theatre or the BBC for blasphemous libel. However, the Government believed it was necessary to consult with churches, particularly the Anglican Church, before coming to a final decision and that was what the Government was now doing. Subject to that, the Government would consider to move amendments in the House of Lords.

Asked if there was going to be a Government Whip on the subject tonight, the PMS reiterated that the Government’s position was that there needed to be further consultation, particularly with the Anglican Church and only when that consultation had taken place would the Government consider moving amendments in the House of Lords. Asked if MP’s would have a free vote, the PMS replied that it was not a free vote today.

Put that MP’s could be whipped to vote a certain way tonight only for the Government to try and reverse the outcome of the vote at a later date, the PMS said that he thought it was right to have a proper process. The amendment was put down recently, following the High Court’s decision in December. It was right that there was a proper consultation before there was any change in the legislation. The Government was not proposing a change in the law today; what it was proposing was that there needed to be a proper consultation. Subject to that, the Government would consider moving amendments in the House of Lords

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» Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Cannabis

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