Ray Lakeman, whose two sons died from an ecstasy overdose, will next week tell a public meeting that he favours changing the law on drugs.

Mr Lakeman, from Port St Mary, lost his sons Torin and Jacques when they accidentally took an overdose of the drug ecstasy.

Mr Lakeman said; ’We need to move beyond fear, discrimination and punishment, and towards drug laws that are based on honesty, compassion and health.

’We insist on the safety and control of alcohol, tobacco, even sugar - so why not other drugs?’

Mr Lakeman has now joined the Anyone’s Child Campaign with other families who are campaigning for the legal regulation and control of drugs.

He will be one of the speakers at a meeting organised by the Postive Action Group and Isle of Man Freethinkers from 7.30pm on Monday, April 24, at the Manx Legion Club on Market Hill, Douglas,

Mr Lakeman’s fellow speaker will be Jane Slater, of Transform Drug Policy Foundation and Anyone’s Child,

She will outline why her organisation is campaigning to see drugs legally regulated.

She said: ’Legal regulation means taking drugs out of the hands of criminals and placing it under government control via doctors, pharmacists and licensed retailers.

’Criminalising the drug trade and drug users isn’t keeping our children safe, it’s putting them in grave danger.

’Our voices must be heard and our politicians must listen. We need to put governments in control of the drugs market, so that families are better â??protected.’

A PAG spokesman said: ’The time is right for a new approach to drugs on the Isle of Man - signalled by the new government’s announcement that it is committed to developing evidence based policy.

Stuart Hartill, chair IOM Freethinkers, said: ’The Freethinkers realise it’s a thorny issue, but also that we must raise such issues locally, though always in a responsible way, rather than waiting to see how large countries deal with the problem.

’We warmly invite Manx people to come along, listen and contribute on the night, then go away and continue that discussion.’

Examiner comment: p18