MPs want Bristol drug row professor to quit post
The Bristol professor at the centre of a row over ecstasy has been asked to "consider his position" by a group of MPs.
David Nutt, who lectures at Bristol University, sparked fury last week after claiming that taking the class A drug was no more dangerous than riding a horse.
After widespread condemnation, including criticism from Home Secretary Jacqui Smith for the "insensitivity" he had shown to the families of victims of the drug, he apologised. But Labour politicians have still called on the academic to consider his position as chairman of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs.
MP Jim Dobbin, former NHS microbiologist, tabled an Early Day Motion stating that the Commons is "dismayed at the view of Professor David Nutt ... that ecstasy is less dangerous than horse-riding and calling on him to consider his position as chairman of the ACMD."
Professor Nutt was last night unavailable for comment.
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by Sarah, Bath
Sunday, February 22 2009, 12:22PM
“I was a very keen rider in my youth, and I've been horse riding four times in the last decade, suffering one accident (thankfully no internal organs damaged although, but 4 broken bones and just under 6 months recovering). In the same decade I estimate I've taken ecstasy about 200 times, and I've suffered many nights out where I've had an amazing time. Rest assured, I won't be getting on any more horses. However, I wouldn't tell anyone else not to. SImilarly, I would never suggest that anyone takes ecstasy. These are things that we as individuals need to make our own minds up about. If science gives us a factual assessment of risk (devoid of any tabloid sensationalism) that is for each of us as individuals to digest and act on as we choose.”
by Ben, Clifton
Monday, February 16 2009, 5:36PM
“Prof. Nutt has said in a TV interview that his "taking the class A drug was no more dangerous than riding a horse" comment was taken out of context and then put the sentence into context.
Surely the BEP Journalist on this story should have at least balanced the story and not just allowed MPs to have their say.”
by Stephen, Bristol
Monday, February 16 2009, 5:30PM
“I can understand why Dobbin is not amused by references to falling off horses.”
by anil, south glos
Monday, February 16 2009, 1:56PM
“This is not an uncommon view. Those employed by Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton have expressed the view that "....ecstasy is harmless, it just makes you feel good". I wonder if this is a commonly-held view in Somerset's NHS. If so, should we all be concerned?”
by John Watson, London
Monday, February 16 2009, 1:08PM
“This is absolutely crazy. Prof Nutt published the article comparing ecstasy and horseriding months ago in an academic, peer-reviewed journal. What he states is verifiable fact, and has been passed as such by the peer reviewer(s), who are also respected scientists.
I'll bet the MPs have not read his original article, and I doubt they'd be able to understand it.
This is a smear campaign by the Government on its own advisor's. Jacqui Smith seems to have leaked it to the press to coincide with the ACMD's recommendation that ecstasy is not as dangerous as crack cocaine and heroin. As it was published months ago, and could have been highlighted months ago, that is the only possible conclusion. Jacqui Smith sat on it until the ACMD released their ecstasy report.
It seems that in the drug war, truth must suffer.
As most people who actually use ecstasy know how safe it is, they will believe that crack cocaine is just as safe, as it has the same classification. Crazy.”