In a bold move to “reclaim our streets” from criminals, Keir Starmer is set to announce that drink spiking will become a criminal offence under Labour’s new proposals to combat violence against women and girls.
The Prime Minister will convene a high-level meeting on Monday with police chiefs, leaders of the hospitality sector, and transport executives to discuss how best to address the growing concern of spiking – the practice of secretly drugging someone’s drink.
A national training programme will be rolled out, with thousands of staff across the nighttime economy being educated on how to spot the signs of spiking.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Budget 2024 Latest: Rayner Among MPs Pleading With Starmer To Step In As Reeves’ ‘£40bn Target’ Looms
A pilot programme is set to launch in December, with the initiative expanding to 10,000 bars across the country by spring next year.
Starmer emphasized, “Our government was elected on the promise to take back our streets, and we cannot achieve that if women and girls don’t feel safe, especially at night.
Today, I’m bringing together the authorities and industry leaders to ensure coordinated action is taken to stop women from being targeted, whether they’re out with friends or simply heading home.”
He continued, “Spiking is a cowardly act, often committed to facilitate sexual assault, and it’s time we brought the perpetrators to justice. That’s why I made it a promise to make spiking a criminal offence – and today I’m proud to fulfill that commitment.”
Yvette Cooper Supports Labour On This
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper added, “Spiking is a heinous crime that can leave victims with lasting trauma.
“No one should have to worry about the safety of their drink when they go out. These reforms are about empowering victims to come forward and ensuring a strong response from law enforcement.”
Kate Nicholls, CEO of UK Hospitality, commented, “Our pubs, bars, and clubs are places for people to have fun and unwind, and our priority is making sure that everyone can do so safely.
“We’re fully supporting the Home Office’s new training programme, which will equip staff with the knowledge and skills to prevent spiking and respond swiftly if it occurs.”
Kindly follow @surgezircuk on Instagram. On X (Twitter), follow @surgezircuk.
The post Starmer To Criminalize Drink Spiking In Move To Halve Violence Against Women, Girls appeared first on SurgeZirc UK.
