Speakers will be discussing 50 years of failed drugs policy, prohibition and the harms of stigma, the role of the police in decriminalisation and diversion into treatment, why is the UK so resistant to drug policy reform.

Speakers

Chief Inspector Jason Kew

Jason is a DCI in Thames Valley Police, working within the Violence Reduction Unit as lead for Drugs, Exploitation & Harm Reduction. Jason has worked consistently for better Drug Policy.

Niamh Eastwood

Niamh is a non-practising barrister who started at Release in 2002 as a legal advisor, she was then appointed Head of Legal Services in 2007, and Deputy Director in 2008. She is now Executive Director of Release and has extensive experience of service delivery, policy strategy, fundraising and operational development.

Baron Brian Paddick

Brian Leonard Paddick, Baron Paddick, is a British politician and retired police officer, currently sitting in the House of Lords as a life peer. He was the Liberal Democrat candidate for the London mayoral elections of 2008 and 2012.