Russell Brand testifies to MPs about his drug addiction

Russell Brand has given evidence to the Home Affairs committee about Government drugs policy.

The comedian has battled drug addiction and spoke about how drugs addicts affect society and about his own arrests for drugs offences.

The flamboyant film star said addiction should be treated as a health issue rather than a criminal matter.

He called for 'abstinence-based recovery.'

The film actor said that drugs addicts could be 'a public nuisance' but called for more understanding of addiction.

Asked about the role of celebrities, he said: 'Who cares about bloody celebrities?'

Brand said that, instead, he wanted to offer people 'truth and authenticity.'

Brand said he would back decriminalisation of drugs, adding:

During the lively and energetic 30-minute hearing, Brand also addressed the MPs as 'mate' and, when pushed for time by chairman Keith Vaz, replied: