Outrage over sacking of drugs advisor David Nutt
The fall-out over the departure of David Nutt, the Government's top drugs adviser who is based at Bristol University, continued yesterday with the resignation of a prominent member of the government's drugs advisory panel.
Leading scientist and broadcaster Lord Robert Winston also said he was "disappointed" about the treatment of Professor Nutt, claiming it showed a lack of scientific understanding.
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David Nutt
Prof Nutt heads up the Psychopharmacology Unit at Bristol University. He was forced to resign on Friday in the wake of the row over the dangers of class A drugs.
Home Secretary Alan Johnson asked Prof Nutt to resign as chairman of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, saying he had "lost confidence" in his ability to give impartial advice.
Yesterday, Dr Les King, who worked for the Forensic Science Service (FSS) for 30 years, and has been associated with the drugs advisory panel for 15 years, said Mr Johnson had denied Prof Nutt his right to free speech when he called for his resignation.
Mr Johnson said he had "lost confidence" in Prof Nutt's ability to give impartial advice after the chairman of the Home Office's Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs criticised the Government.
"He (Prof Nutt) may be an advisor but he's still got the right to say what he likes. That was being denied," Dr King said yesterday.
Dr King, who became a full member last year, said the Government's attitude to the panel has been shifting in recent years and home secretaries now had a "pre-defined political agenda" when they asked for its expert advice.
"It's being asked to rubber stamp a pre-determined position," he said. "If sufficient members do resign, the committee will no longer be able to operate."
Labour peer Lord Winston warned that the Government would be ignored if it gave advice to the public that did not take account of scientists' opinions and said Prof Nutt had made a "very reasonable" point about the relative dangers of illegal and legal drugs.
He told BBC Radio 4's The World This Weekend he was "very surprised and disappointed" by Mr Johnson's actions.
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by George, Bristol
Wednesday, November 11 2009, 10:20PM
“eh?”
by Charles Henry 1945-(diuturnity), Somersetshire
Wednesday, November 11 2009, 5:49PM
“:) All the girls will know where you live George, be careful now!”
by George, Bristol
Wednesday, November 11 2009, 5:40PM
“Now he's rugurgitating his nonsense.
You lost, Charles, give it up.”
by Charles Henry 1945-(diuturnity), Somersetshire
Wednesday, November 11 2009, 5:38PM
“:| Meanwhile; let's now all just celebrate the fact that a LABOUR PARTY Home Secretary had the GOOD SENSE to ignore the agenda of a group of 'scientists' that were there to advise him; and that they have now departed. . If anyone still has any doubts about the dangers of the opiate drugs and the so called 'soft' drugs that are the Gateway to the Hell that is addiction, then I suggest they talk to the Mothers and Ladies that are KWADS. . And yes, they deal with the many alcohol abuse problems also, that noone is defending or denying. . They are an Alcohol and Drugs service, set up for the people, by the people. . Best Charles”
by George, Bristol
Wednesday, November 11 2009, 5:31PM
“Yes, Freethinker, I tried to encourage a debate from Charles based on the facts of reality, but it was like teaching an old dog new tricks..”
by Charles Henry 1945-(diuturnity), Somersetshire
Wednesday, November 11 2009, 5:31PM
“:) Justin (Freethinker) at least when the Hippodrome have some very small bit parts in Apollo or Taming of the Shrew they will know to call you or George so all the girls can have a laugh and get their own back for any of the misogynistic bits. . . Justin my old mucker; you just never learn do you!”
by George, Bristol
Wednesday, November 11 2009, 5:27PM
“Brilliant, can't wait! :)
If I get a chance to annihilate you and your out-of-date, nonsense opinions of reality it'll be just as enjoyable.”
by Freethinker, Cornwall
Wednesday, November 11 2009, 5:25PM
“Once again Charles, you don't listen to others. No wonder you have a website dedicated to your own individual thoughts on life. See, it's not only me who feels your ignorant and egotistical to boot. You should know better sometimes, but you clearly don't. I take my hat off to you George for putting up with old mucker for so long. You put foward evidence and good points. All Charles is intrested in is winning the argument. Enough said. Best Freethinker”
by Charles Henry 1945-(diuturnity), Somersetshire
Wednesday, November 11 2009, 5:12PM
“:) George; oh ye of little wit and even smaller parts; your insulting repartee will come back to haunt you. . That much I can promise you. .”
by George, Bristol
Wednesday, November 11 2009, 4:57PM
“"an expert on ignorance" - Charles Henry..
That's the only expertise you've provided in this discussion”