Ex-addict says decriminalising drugs could stop abuse

The idea of a royal commission to consider decriminalising illegal drugs has been ruled out by the prime minister.

A report by the home affairs select committee highlighted Portugal's approach, where criminal penalties are not imposed on users who enter into special programmes designed to end their habits.

Paul Spittlehouse, a recovering drug user, urged the government to consider the proposals.

"When I was in the midst of my chaotic drug use I wasn't affected at all by the threat of criminal conviction," he told the BBC.