The move could see a public health approach replace Britain’s decades-long war on drugs

A Labour government would launch a royal commission to review the legalisation of drugs including cannabis, cocaine and heroin.

In a move that could see Britain abandon its decades-long war on drugs and adopt a public health approach, Jeremy Corbyn would launch a wide-ranging study of “all drugs legislation”.

The government could decriminalise certain substances and make others fully available for recreational or medical purposes, with Labour insisting it would be led by evidence alone.

Diane Abbott, the shadow home secretary, said: “We will establish a royal commission to review independently all drugs legislation and policy to address related issues of public health.

“There is nothing more important than preserving the life of our citizens. Our current approach to drugs is simply not doing that.”