Public meeting about Khat

Story: Rohan Francis | Photo:Anwar Suliman

On 18th February, local residents attended a public meeting at the Vestry Hall to express their anger at the proposed ban of Khat. The Government has yet to confirm what date the plant will be banned.

Saeed Abdi from Somali Mental Health, opened the meeting followed by vice chair of the Yemeni Community Association YCA Gamal Al-Hadideh, who said, “We want to discuss this issue in a rational and democratic way. We are not here to promote or discourage the use of Khat. We want people to have their say.” Local Solicitor, Saleh Alnoud, was critical of the process the Government had used to introduce the ban. “The use of Khat has been divisive, and has polarised our community for many years. I'm not for or against a ban, but we live in a democratic society. Politicians have ignored expert opinion and done very little consultation. This has been forced on the community by the Government in a very undemocratic way.”

Sheffield MP Paul Blomfield was concerned about the risks of criminalising a previously legal activity, but told the meeting, “Whatever we think, the Government will proceed with the ban.” Dr Axel Klein, from the University of Kent, had studied the arguments for introducing the ban and was sceptical about the links that the Government has made between Khat use and social harm, organised crime and terrorism. “The Home Secretary wants to show herself to be tough on immigration and that's what this ban is about. However, a ban is not irreversible and I will be collecting evidence to show the failure of the ban to reduce harm.”

Simon Finney from the Drugs and Alcohol Co-ordination Team, said he had worked in the service for 30 years and had never come across a law change like this before. “This is new to all of us and we are concentrating on communicating to the public that the law is changing.”

Police representative Brendan Pakenham said it was important people realised that the law will change and Khat will be illegal. The Police will be proportional and professional in upholding the law. “We do not want to see an increase in stop and search figures or complaints. However, if people are caught with Khat, they will be cautioned first, fined for a second offence and for a third time an arrest could result in a criminal record.”

Following the panel's presentations, the meeting heard from members of the audience who expressed anger and frustration at the proposed law change. Ahmed said, “The ban was a systematic campaign against migrants. Just like the ‘Go Home’ poster, it’s about getting votes.”

A trustee of the YCA told the meeting, “Are we British only on our passports, or do we have rights as well? The Government don't care about us. Our well educated young people can't even get decent jobs.”

Mr Hassan said, “This is our way to relax, like other people do at the pub, and yet there's less problems than with drinking.” At the time of going to press, Parliament have yet to approve the control of Khat as a Class C substance. Once this approval has been given, the new law will come into effect after 28 days.