THE Chief Constable of North Wales police, Richard Brunstrom, recently stated that the so-called 'war on drugs' has failed, and called for a Royal Commission to consider how all drugs might eventually be legalised.

The following day our Liberal Democrat MP for the North West Chris Davies -- who, incidentally, has never taken drugs in his life -- sparked controversy by being arrested for brandishing a tiny amount of cannabis during a protest aimed at highlighting the senselessness of the current drug laws.

Mr Davies has subsequently come in for considerable criticism, but, I for one, welcome the fact that people in the public eye are at last starting to stand up and make themselves heard on this issue.

Chris Davies and Richard Brunstrom are simply giving voice to an opinion that is shared in private by more and more people. We need a thorough reappraisal of the approach towards drugs in this country if we are serious about reducing drug-related crime and protecting the health of people who freely choose to use drugs.

Perhaps actions such as these will help to stimulate an open and well-informed debate on drugs and drug-related problems. That in turn may even bring about radical change in government policy which is long overdue.

NEIL DERBYSHIRE, Chairman, North West Liberal Democrats, Castle Street, Edgeley, Stockport.