London
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Monday that spiking, the act of secretly drugging someone’s drink or food, will soon be made a criminal offence in the UK.
Ahead of a key meeting with police chiefs, transport officials, and industry leaders, Starmer emphasized that making spiking illegal is crucial to ensuring women and girls feel safe at night. He stated, “Perpetrators of spiking will feel the full force of the law.” Spiking incidents have been rising in the UK, especially during the holiday season, when cases of violence against women tend to increase. Starmer’s government aims to send a clear message to offenders while encouraging victims to report these crimes.
As part of the crackdown, the government will implement a nationwide training program starting in December. This initiative will educate up to 10,000 bar and club staff on how to prevent and handle spiking. The training will also help staff support victims and assist police in gathering evidence.
Additionally, 20 police forces in England and Wales are already using plainclothes officers in nightlife areas to monitor and stop predatory behavior.
Starmer added that while spiking cases can be hard to prosecute, the new law will ensure perpetrators are brought to justice. He said, “I am proud to have come good on that pledge” to make spiking a criminal offence.
