I wish to strongly disassociate myself from the misguided and irresponsible actions of the Liberal Democrat Euro MP Chris Davies.

In the Netherlands, cannabis use is not legalised. The authorities tolerate it and it is this that has led to the culture of cannabis cafes. These cafes are not prosecuted for selling cannabis under certain conditions. In Dutch law possession of drugs is still prohibited and punishable.

The Dutch authorities do not want to be known only for their cannabis cafes culture. Indeed they are now reducing the number of such cafes because of the problems of litter, noise and falling property prices. Drug-related crime refuses to go away and their liberal approach has not resulted in a decrease in drug-related deaths.

There is a very real debate to he had about the medicinal use of cannabis and the medical profession acknowledges that in its smoked form it is harmful. I have lobbied the Home Secretary to look at medicinal use separately from recreational use, and the Government has announced their intention to do this, subject to the results of trials by the Medicines Control Agency.

As politicians we have to learn not to let our personal views get in the way of legislating or acting in the best interests of the public. Mr Davies should get on with the job he was elected to do, to reform and make the law, not to break it.

ARLENE McCARTHY MEP