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Drugs policy report sparks coalition row

A row has erupted at the top of the coalition after a Home Office report on drug abuse re-opened differences between Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said the survey - which found the "toughness" of a country's drug enforcement policy did not affect the level of substance abuse - showed the "war on drugs" was failing.

The dispute, which his been festering for months, broke out after the Home Office finally agreed to release the report - which the Lib Dems had originally commissioned - comparing drugs policies in different countries.

Appearing on his weekly LBC radio phone-in, Mr Clegg complained that the Conservatives had tried to block its release.

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Coalition split over direction of UK drug policy

The Coalition is split tonight, over a report challenging Britain's longstanding policy of tough punishments for drug abusers.

The Home Office paper found no evidence that harsh laws lower usage.

Proof, the Liberal Democrats say, that the war on drugs is failing.

ITV News Political Correspondent Libby Wiener reports:

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