Tag Archives: royal commission

Debating the case for a Royal Commission

Lord Norton 10/03/2011 – 12:20 pm

I am extremely grateful to all those who contributed to my earlier post on my Question for Short Debate (QSD) making the case for a Royal Commission on drug use and possession.  The comments were notable for their quality as well as their quantity.  My QSD was held last night, with all speakers bar the minister adding their weight to the case for an inquiry.  The speakers included fellow blogg […]

Debate on Royal Commission on drugs

Lord Norton 02/03/2011 – 3:44 pm

My Question for Short Debate, 'To ask Her Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to establishing a Royal Commission on the law governing drug use and possession', has been scheduled for next Wednesday (9 March).  It takes place for one hour, starting at about 7.30 p.m.   Readers are very welcome to suggest points I should cover.

The debate over drugs

Lord Norton 16/12/2010 – 1:55 pm

Former Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth (pictured) has caused something of a political storm for calling for the legalisation of drugs so that they can be available, probably on prescription, as a way of tackling the major problems presently caused by the supply and consumption of drugs.  Some of the responses to his call have been predictable.  However, to dismiss out of hand what he says mean […]

Decriminalising drug use

Lord Norton 17/08/2010 – 4:41 pm

I see that Sir Ian Gilmore, the retiring president of the Royal College of Physicians, has endorsed the call made by Nicholas Green QC, the chairman of the Bar Council, to consider the decriminalisation of drug use.  He believes that this could drastically cut crime and addicts' health problems. Drug taking is a mug's game - harming not only the taker but, under the present system, many others […]

An unnecessary ceremony?

Lord Norton 05/07/2009 – 5:50 pm

When a new Speaker is elected by the Commons, the approbation of the monarch is required.  Rather than attend in person, the monarch conveys  that approbation through a royal commission.  MPs are summoned to the bar of the House of Lords and the commission - comprising the Lord Chancellor and the leaders of the parties (and the convenor of the cross-benchers) in the Lords - delivers the Queen […]