Why Hartlepool by-election candidate Christopher Killick would legalise certain drugs

Christopher Killick has been confirmed as one of the 16 candidates who will be standing to become Hartlepool MP at the Parliamentary by-election on May 6.

Mr Killick, who lives in Hartlepool, said he does not work for a political party.

But it is his ambition to get people more involved in politics and set up and lead his own party in the future.

He said: “I aim to improve political discourse, trust and participation.

“Too frequently Parliamentary candidates or elected politicians aren’t honest about why they enter politics or they lack ambition or the attributes to succeed and this country suffers.

“If I am elected MP in Hartlepool I will help others and encourage success.”

Mr Killick grew up in London, studied international relations at Sussex University, in Brighton, and has worked as a shop sales assistant.

Some of his policies include increasing enthusiasm for elections by moving to a single transferable vote system, teaching democracy at an early age and giving 16 and 17 year olds the vote.

He would also aim to decrease air pollution and wants to treat animals with more respect, including closing zoos and aquariums, and banning activities such as greyhound and horse racing.

Mr Killick added his policies also include improving public health and educating people on and legalising certain recreational drugs.

He said: “If we teach people the pros and cons of each type of drug, we can make clear that drugs can have upsides and downsides, then we can give adults the choice over whether or not to try them.

“This will significantly reduce the crime problem in Hartlepool. Allow the police to investigate real crimes.”

Mr Killick said he wants to see more attention given to all areas of the country rather than just to London and other cities.

He said: “Help the poor, the sick, the disabled, people with mental health challenges.

“Focus on every part of the UK, take the focus away from London and the big cities.

“In general I believe human beings are self-interested but that it is in their own interest to help others and be sociable. I believe in happiness, knowledge, understanding, and progress.”

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