article_snippet: The Lib Dem leader was challenged over The Lib Dem leader call for drug users not to be given criminal records for possessing illegal substances.
article_snippet: The Liberal Democrat manifesto will commit the party to ending imprisonment for possession of drugs for personal use and ensure that those arrested with small amounts of illicit substances do not get a criminal record.
article_snippet: Yesterday's announcement follows a controversial ‘research’ project ordered by Lib Dem Home Office ministers, which used taxpayers’ money to study drugs policy around the world.
article_snippet: The Lib Dems seized on parts of the report suggesting decriminalisation in countries like Portugal cut the health damage caused by drugs.
article_snippet: I think that is one of the many, many features of we approach to the so-called war on drugs which is irrational, and counter-productive.
article_snippet: Last night, Mr Clegg also insisted that the so-called ‘war on drugs’ was ‘not working’, although Mr Clegg was later forced to concede that official figures show drug use has been falling in Britain for years.
article_snippet: The Home Secretary Theresa May has blocked any softening of the drugs laws.
article_snippet: The Lib Dems want to take drug policy away from the Home Office and place drug policy in the Department of Health .
highlights_snippet: Nick Clegg said decriminalisation would apply to 'harder' drugs such as heroin .
  