Smith: Harm reduction priority of drugs policy

Wednesday, 25, Jul 2007 12:00

The new home secretary Jacqui Smith admitted the government has "much work to do" in the war on drugs, as she launched a major new consultation on the subject.

While she stressed government achievements over the last few years, she tacitly accepted the government had failed to stem the enduring popularity of drugs among the young.

"Drug use has fallen by 24 per cent among young people since 1998, we have cut drug related crime by 20 per cent in the last four years and record numbers of people are undergoing drug treatment, but we are not complacent and recognise there is much work to do," she said.

"We need to ensure that treatment is effective and followed through and I know that many drug users need extra help to get their lives together and re-establish themselves within society."

Ms Smith stressed the extra funding the government is channelling into Frank, the drug awareness project it launched complete with a fashionable advertising campaign.

"Education is a vital part of our strategy. I am delighted to announce over £5 million for the Frank drug awareness campaign which provides a crucial role in discouraging young people from taking illegal drugs," she said.