Times on illegal drugs
The Times titled their piece ‘Breaking Good’ and published it on Friday morning, June 16. It is the first newspaper in the U.K. to support such action and the story called it a “sound” approach though it also said that it was “radical advice.”
“Would it ever make sense to jail a chain-smoker for smoking or an alcoholic for touching drink?” ‘Breaking Good’ begins. “On the basis that the answer is no, the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) is urging the government to decriminalise the personal possession and use of all illegal drugs.
“This is radical advice, but also sound,” the story added. “Ministers should give it serious consideration.” The story also said that decriminalization of illegal drugs would put “violent gangs out of business.”
New era of drug debate
It may be a watershed moment in the history of drugs in Britain. The Times, established in 1785, is the first major publication to make such a proclamation.
In 1997 the Observer wrote in favor of decriminalizing marijuana only but in 2007 changed its mind, citing dangerous new strains of pot, like ‘skunk’ cannabis, as the reason for their reversal.
While the influence of the Times is not as great as it once was, it still has the ear of politicians and citizens alike in the country. In 1959, American professor and noted journalism historian Allan Nevins said the Times was “an integral and important part of the political structure of Great Britain” and that it’s “emphasis has been on important public affairs.”
Nevins also maintained the paper had close ties with policy makers at 10 Downing Street. That may no longer be the case but its opinion continues to matter.
To what degree the government will heed the Times’ support for decriminalization remains to be seen but coupled with the stance of the RSPH it appears a new era in drug debate in the U.K. has begun.
An excellent, long overdue idea! The Times calls for decriminalisation of all illegal drugs June 16, 2016
“.@thetimes has boldly gone where few newspapers – and very, very few politicians – have ever dared to go before” June 17, 2016
The Times calls for decriminalisation of all illegal drugs June 17, 2016
