Fixed fines deterrent for cannabis possession

The Tories will try to outflank the Government on drugs policy today with plans to impose automatic fixed-penalty fines for possession of cannabis.

The Tories will try to outflank the Government on drugs policy today with plans to impose automatic fixed-penalty fines for possession of cannabis.

Ann Widdecombe, the shadow Home Secretary, will announce the proposal as a centrepiece of the Tory anti-drugs strategy in her conference speech on law and order. She will also reveal plans for a teenage cadet police force to boost regular recruitment and offer back-up to overstretched officers in rural areas

Miss Widdecombe will also say she would set up detention centres for all asylum-seekers and begin a big expansion ofsecure training centres for juvenile convicts.

Teenage offenders would be offered the chance to gain skills and educational qualifications, with the incentive of a reduced sentence for those who get good results.