Richard Branson hits out at war on drugs Business tycoon Richard Branson has told MPs that Britain's anti-drug campaigns have failed. The Virgin brand head told the Commons Home Affairs Select Committee that drug abuse is a public health, not a criminal, matter, and that the war on drugs had "simply failed." Sir Richard is a member of the Global Commission on Drug Policy, whose members include former United Nations secretary general Kofi Annan, and was speaking at the first inquiry into drugs misuse in more than ten years. In the previous 2002 inquiry, drug use was found to be largely a "passing phase" for many young people which "rarely results in any long-term harm." A host of stars including dame Judi Dench have united behind calls to completely reform drug laws, and even decriminalise possession, should the committee find that narcotics legislation deserves an overhaul. The hearing comes amid a relaxing of the sentencing guidelines surrounding drugs. Within weeks, dealers caught with less than 6kg of cannabis,and some low-level heroin and cocaine dealers, could be spared jail. Drug mules, who shuttle narcotics into the country, often as a result of exploitation by organised criminals, could also serve less time in prison.