Bristol East Labour MP Kerry McCarthy

Bristol East Labour MP Kerry McCarthy has promised to investigate the use of a drug called khat, which is used among the Somali community. Ms McCarthy, whose constituency includes a large part of the city's Somali community, said: "Its use is something I am aware of, and something I want to find out more about.

"I am writing to the Home Office about this."

Ilford Labour MP Mike Gapes has been campaigning on behalf of his constituents in London for a ban.

He said: "These are difficult issues, but we usually have some control over substances that make young men in this country clearly seriously intoxicated during the day.

"We do not allow tobacco or alcohol to be sold to people under a certain age.

"We do not allow unrestricted access to amphetamines, for example.

"It is generally not acceptable in this country to argue for a deregulatory free-for-all in which anybody can buy and take anything that they like, regardless of the social and human costs, let alone the medical consequences for the individuals concerned and their families.

"Yet, khat is not controlled, and we must wonder why.

"People in this country can buy limitless quantities and chew the substance for hours without any control - no regulation, quality control, tax or other measures. Other countries have a different attitude.

"The Government is aware of the problem, and there has been a number of parliamentary questions on the matter."

The use of khat in Bristol and elsewhere has become a concern for leaders of the Somali community.

It is legal in the UK, but in other European countries and America it is illegal.

The drug, which comes from a shrub, induces a state of mild euphoria. Amphetamine occurs naturally in the plant.

But there are concerns about health risks and the effect it is having on the Somali community.

In yesterday's Evening Post, Kayse Maxamed, editor of the Somali Voice newspaper, called for an outright ban.

He believes it is stopping Somalis from integrating properly because many are spending so much time under the influence of khat. He is particularly concerned about the number of young men using khat.

Campaigners say a ban would also prevent scenes witnessed this week at Twinnell House in Easton, where residents complained that up to 100 people at a time were gathering to buy the drug out of the back of cars and using it there as well.

The Home Office says there are no current plans to ban khat but it is researching the issue.

l If you want to back the calls by some members to ban the drug in Britain, fill out the petition below.

Source: This is Bristol, Aug 19, 2005