Spiking Drinks In UK Alert
The UK government is taking steps to tackle spiking, a growing concern in the country. Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips has urged bystanders to intervene if they suspect someone is at risk of spiking, especially during the Christmas party season. Phillips emphasized that people should feel comfortable approaching someone who appears vulnerable and asking if they’re okay.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has also met with police chiefs, hospitality bosses, and transport leaders to coordinate action against spiking. The government has promised extra training for bar staff to prevent incidents, support victims, and retain evidence. Up to 10,000 bar staff will receive training over the next few months.
The issue of spiking has gained significant attention in recent years, with many victims sharing their experiences. Saraya Haddad, a 27-year-old who was spiked in 2019, welcomed the government’s plans but emphasized that more needs to be done. Haddad’s experience highlights the importance of addressing spiking, which can have severe physical and emotional consequences for victims.
The government’s efforts to tackle spiking include making it a specific criminal offense, although a timeframe for introducing new legislation has not been announced. The Metropolitan Police has stated that spiking offenses are currently covered by more than one law, primarily the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.
To address the issue, the government is working with charities, police forces, and hospitality staff to raise awareness and prevent incidents. The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) has advised people to report suspected spiking incidents online or by calling 101, or 999 in emergency
