“This is political football in Lambeth.
Last year the Cannabis festival attracted only 4 public complaints, –
based on noise, 7 arrests – one for dealing and was enjoyed by many
thousands of people. We think there is a question of balance.
In a sane and tolerant society we would be consulted and recognised for
putting on a safe and free event, instead Lambeth Council have made no
attempt to overcome this problem but simply use it as a means to
prohibit us.
We recognise that Cllr Whelan and the Executive may have more than
technical problems with us. We suspect their reasons may be political.
We may not fit in with their politics, their corporate, public relations
driven, glossy vision of Lambeth.
The influx of West Indians from the 50’s, young urban professional
clubbers and pragmatic policing in the 90’s, has given Lambeth
reputation as a progressive, culturally rich and diverse area. We are
part of this diversity.
We invite the Council to work with us and the police to overcome these
issues, however if they refuse and simply try to prohibit the march and
festival then we accuse the Executive of being intolerant of diversity.
We note the media’s reaction to the Council’s ban has already increased
the size of the march. Presumably people will want to do something
after the march. The question for the Executive is do they want it done
licenced or unlicenced. A bit like the sale of cannabis really.”
ENDS
Note.
Lambeth Council is run by the Lib Dems and the Tories.
Tory policy is to re-classify cannabis back to class B.
