ALL praise to North-west Euro MP Chris Davies for highlighting the ludicrous nature of our drug laws.

His campaign to promote the separation of soft and hard drugs, and ensure that cannabis users never have to come into contact with heroin dealers, will make a great deal of sense to many people.

Latest reports show that more than 50 per cent of under 24 year olds have taken cannabis at some point in their lives, as well as many people in their 30s, 40s and 50s. Every time they do so they break the law as it stands, but they do their best to avoid getting caught.

How ridiculous then that Chris Davies should be branded as "irresponsible", when he, someone who has never used the drug but who is passionate in his beliefs, makes a political point by deliberately getting himself caught and putting himself forward to pay the penalty in consequence.

It's an injustice that tens of thousands of people each year should be criminalised for using a drug which government experts say is less harmful than alcohol or tobacco. More politicians should challenge the law if they are unable themselves to change it.

We need less pious and sanctimonious drivel from the likes of Labour's Arlene McCarthy and Conservative David Sumberg. Ms McCarthy should remember that without the "irresponsibility" of the suffragettes who deliberately broke the law of the time, she would not be an MEP today.

Perhaps she might also have a word with the current Secretary of State for Wales, Peter Hain, about his "irresponsible" past activities in breaking the law by digging up cricket pitches in protest against the apartheid regime of South Africa.

There is a long history of peaceful protest in this country, which has seen individuals deliberately break the law in order to promote change.

Time will ensure that Chris Davies's actions are entirely vindicated.

Chris Blackburn

North West Liberal Democrat Youth and Students (LDYS)

Holmfirth Street

Longsight

Manchester