BOLTON Euro MP Chris Davies has declared that it is time for action not words in the campaign to reform Britain's drug laws.

The Liberal Democrat MEP pleaded guilty at Manchester Crown Court to defying the law at a demonstration in Stockport last December when he held up a small quantity of cannabis resin stuck to the back of a postage stamp to show his support for establishing Dutch-style cannabis coffee shops.

Judge Stuart Fish fined him £100 and ordered him to pay prosecution and police costs of £3,500. His legal bill is expected in total to amount to some £5,000.

In a statement after the case Mr Davies said: "I have never used cannabis in my life, but I am passionate in my belief that the law must be changed and that there must be a separation between soft and hard drugs if we are to cut crime and reduce harm."

He added: "The Dutch policy of permitting cannabis coffee shops has ensured that cannabis users need never come across heroin dealers. It has been hugely successful. Holland now has the smallest problem of drugs misuse in Europe, and the lowest rate of heroin addiction. The separation of soft and hard drugs works, and we should follow this example."

"The Home Secretary says that he intends to make the possession of cannabis a non-arrestable offence, but that the maximum penalty for the supply of this soft drug will be 14 years imprisonment.

"This will drive cannabis users into the hands of heroin dealers and make the situation worse."

Mr Davies added: "My objective has been to stimulate public debate, promote a change in the law, and cut the amount of police time that is wasted at present on making criminals out of cannabis users who have done no harm to anyone else. If my action in any way helps achieve these objectives then the costs of £5,000 have incurred will have been money well spent."