Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has made his position unmistakably clear on drug policy, telling students in Liverpool that his government will not pursue legalisation of cannabis under any circumstances.

During a pre-conference visit to the Liverpool Echo’s offices, the Prime Minister faced direct questions from secondary school students on various policy matters. When asked whether he would consider making cannabis legal, Starmer rejects cannabis legalisation with an unequivocal response: “No, I’m afraid not.”

Youth Engagement Ahead of Conference

The session, held ahead of Labour’s party conference in the city, saw the Prime Minister engage with young people on topics ranging from drug policy to voting rights. The frank exchange highlighted the government’s firm stance on maintaining current drug laws.

In a lighter moment during the discussion, Sir Keir asked students to raise their hands if they supported changing the law. He joked: “There’s probably a few hands that would have gone up if the cameras weren’t here. But, no, we’re not going down that route.”

The Prime Minister’s definitive statement comes as some international jurisdictions have moved towards decriminalisation or full legalisation. However, Starmer opposes cannabis law reform, maintaining the government’s commitment to existing drug prevention policies.

Voting Rights for Younger Citizens

Beyond drug policy, Sir Keir also defended his government’s plans to extend voting rights to 16 and 17-year-olds in general elections. When challenged by students on the proposal, he pointed to existing examples in Scotland and Wales where younger voters already participate in elections.

“Lots of people say ‘Oh, it would be terrible if you give 16-year-olds the vote’. It won’t. It already happens in Scotland, already happens in Wales, and the sky didn’t fall in,” the Prime Minister explained.

One teenager in the audience expressed disagreement with lowering the voting age, prompting a thoughtful response from Sir Keir. “I disagree with you. I’ve just met so many 16, 17-year-olds who are really switched on, really engaged and want to have a say over their future,” he said.

Forward-Looking Policy Decisions

The Prime Minister emphasised that political decisions made today will shape the world that young people will inhabit as adults. “Politics is about millions of lives across the country. It is very much about the lives of young people, because the decisions that we make today are going to affect the world in which you’re going to be adults in,” he told the students.

While Starmer rejects cannabis policy changes, he remains committed to empowering young voices through expanded voting rights. The contrasting positions reflect his government’s approach to youth engagement whilst maintaining strict drug prevention standards.

The Liverpool visit demonstrated the Prime Minister’s willingness to engage directly with younger citizens on contentious issues, even when Starmer opposes cannabis reforms that some young people might support. His clear messaging on both topics suggests these positions will remain firm throughout his premiership.

As Labour’s party conference proceeds in Liverpool, Sir Keir’s statements provide clarity on two key areas of policy that affect young people. His government’s direction on both voting reform and drug legislation now appears firmly established.

Source: dbrecoveryresources