Yesterday, I received a telephone call from Mr Denning from the Department of Health drugs unit, which I believe was the 'open dialogue' that I was promised... All he could do was to tell me the government drugs policy, and was not in a position to either listen or act upon the issues regarding medicinal cannabis use. I have since been on the telephone to the following people:

Leanne Johnston (Diary secretary to Gordon Brown): She was unable or unwilling to help, take a message or suggest anything. In fact, she spoke to me as though I were an annoyance, and in a very sharp manner - the conversation did not last long. I would like to thank Leanne for her 'compassion'.... (yes Im being sarcastic)

Tina (Head of DCU, Downing St): While she seems sympathetic, and is trying to do her best for me, all that she can do is forward my correspondence  to the relevant departments, and suggested that I contact my local MP. Many medi users have contacted their MP's, and many do not receive a reply or any help. I will contact Linda Gilroy (my MP) again, but I represent a UK-wide organisation with a very strong argument. It surprises me that nobody seems to wish to address the medi cannabis issue. Tina, Yvonne and Dannielle at the DCU are the most humane people I've spoken to at Downing Street, but it seems as though their hands are tied.

Lorna (Sue Nye's P.A.): She was colder on the telephone than before, and said that all she can do is pass my details to the DCU. She refused to pass on any message to Sue Nye, and said that there was nothing more she could do to help.

 An unnamed assistant to Michael Ellam: (See above). She refused to even pass on a verbal message to Mr Ellam, even though she works in the same office as him.

So it looks as though as though the demonstration may be a real possibility. This is something that I was trying to avoid, as some of the people who have shown a willingness to demonstrate are very ill indeed, and a trip to London followed by a demonstration could be enough to literally kill them.

I know the government is reading this blog entry... Please, I ask you for compassion sake - PLEASE TALK TO US! We need an open dialogue with somebody who can help. Having telephone calls from people who just repeat government policy is no good - I can do that myself by reading governmental websites. Medi users in the UK are suffering, and suffering badly at the moment. Where is your compassion Mr Brown? Where is your heart? What happened to your promisses you made that you would be there for your people?....

[10:16] Faxed a copy of the above to the DCU