Drugs resignation 'a disaster'
Updated on 01 November 2009
The resignation of Les King from the government's drugs advisory panel in protest at the treatment of Prof David Nutt is described as a "disaster" because of his specialist chemical knowledge.
Dr King quit the panel in protest at the treatment of Professor David Nutt, the panel's chairman who was asked to resign from the post by Home Secretary Alan Johnson after criticising the government's policies.
Channel 4 News reporter Andy Davies said: "One member of the advisory council told me that Les King's chemical knowledge was 'unsurpassed' and that it would now be very difficult to frame government drugs legislation without his specialist knowledge.
"The council member said that if the government understands the significance of his resignation, it will be reeling.
"The member added: 'It is an absolute disaster for the government'."
