Comedian Russell Brand is to give evidence about his battle against addiction to an MPs' inquiry into drugs policy, it was announced today.
The flamboyant film star will appear before the Home Affairs Select Committee at the House of Commons on April 24 alongside Chip Somers, chief executive of the detox centre Focus 12, where he sought help with drug dependency.
Committee chair Keith Vaz said Brand would be questioned "about his own experiences and about his latest project, a documentary of the nature of addiction and how it is viewed by society".
Mr Vaz said: "Hearing from those personally affected by drugs use is essential to our inquiry.
"I welcome Russell Brand's openness about his addiction and recovery. I hope that his experiences will help us understand the nature of addiction and the impact that it has on addicts and those around them."
The committee will also hear next Tuesday from opponents of drug liberalisation, including journalist Peter Hitchens, and Mary Brett, who campaigns to raise awareness of the dangers posed by cannabis use.
"We have heard previously from those who support the decriminalisation of drugs," said Vaz. "I look forward to hearing from those who oppose this measure.
"Drug education and treatment are widely accepted as being vital to preventing and tackling drug use and addiction, but there is still a great debate about how we deal with supply and just how effective a deterrent legislation is for those who take drugs."