Committee takes evidence on the cocaine trade
20 October 2009 (updated on 22 April 2010)
The Home Affairs Committee will hear evidence on at 10.30 am from a number of witnesses as part of its inquiry into the cocaine trade
The session will cover the debate on drug regularisation, the attractions of drug taking, the impact of addiction on family and friends, and the options for rehabilitation.
It will be taking evidence at 10.30am from:
- Steve Rolles, Head of Research, Transform Drug Policy Foundation
- Professor Neil McKeganey, Director of the Centre for Drug Misuse Research, Glasgow University
Appearing at 11.15am will be:
- Sarah Graham, ex-cocaine user and counsellor
- Mitch Winehouse, father of Amy Winehouse
Keith Vaz MP, Chairman of the Committee, said:
"As part of our investigation into the Cocaine Trade we want to explore the human cost of drug taking, particularly on users and their families. Therefore today we are taking evidence about the first-hand effects of drug use.
"We are particularly pleased that Mitch Winehouse, the father of Amy, has agreed to share with us research for a current documentary on the damaging effects of drug abuse on families, and of the effectiveness of drug rehabilitation.
"We will also hear from Sarah Graham who has publicly and courageously shared her personal experiences of drug addiction, and has both personal and professional expertise in rehabilitation and addiction therapies."