Dr Neil Hudson MP addressed Parliament, advocating for the Government's suite of robust actions announced to combat growing concerns over incidences of spiking.
Spiking is the act of giving someone alcohol or drugs without their knowledge or consent. Victims of spiking are at greater risk of injury, theft or assault - including assaults of a sexual nature - and can cause severe distress, emotional harm and anxiety.
Drug-spiking incidents reported to the police have tragically increased five-fold in as many years with almost 20,000 reports of spiking received in five years.
As such, the Government is cracking down on this heinous crime, and Dr Hudson stood up in Parliament to usher in robust action. His comments came during a Ministerial Statement by Laura Farris MP, Minister for Victims and Safeguarding which outlined the Government's strategic moves aimed at enhancing public safety.
Key initiatives include amendments to the Criminal Justice Bill, modernising language to helping to eliminate any ambiguity that might surround complex spiking offences.
The Home Office is allocating funds to research the capacity and reliability of existing rapid drink testing kits, a crucial step empowering individuals and the wider nighttime economy to boost safeguarding.
The Minister also explained that additional funding will be provided to law enforcement agencies for the implementation of several "intensification weeks" which have proved successful in tackling other crimes.
Acknowledging the pivotal role of private security in keeping people safe, the Security Industry Authority - the industry regulator - is committed to introducing more spiking training for door supervisors. This training aims to equip security personnel with the necessary skills to identify and prevent spiking cases.
Moreover, the Conservative Government is actively supporting the police in rolling out a spiking reporting and advice tool. This tool is designed to enhance the quality of data available while also allowing the public to report spiking cases quickly, easily, and if desired, anonymously.
Dr Hudson reaffirms the Government's commitment to prioritising public safety and urges collective efforts to address the spiking issue effectively.
Speaking afterwards, Dr Neil Hudson MP said:
"I thank the Minister for reinforcing the Government's sincere commitment to tackling spiking - like me, Government is dedicated to ensuring public safety and the wellbeing of our communities.
"The initiatives outlined in the Chamber mark a significant step in addressing the troubling rise in spiking incidents. By modernising legislation, supporting law enforcement and engaging with the private sector, we are fostering a collective effort to tackle spiking and keep people safe.
"Together we can create safer environments for everyone."
The full exchange in Parliament:
Dr Hudson said:
"I hugely welcome this statement from the Minister and thank the Government for taking strong, positive action on tackling the horrific crime of spiking, which affects young and older people, including students and non-students, and hugely negatively impacts public safety. Can my hon. Friend reassure the House and the public at large that the police and hospitality businesses will be supported to better detect this crime and so ultimately bring these perpetrators to justice?"
Minister Farris replied:
"I can provide my hon. Friend with that reassurance. The critical part of our response today is that we are working at every single level from the barman to the bouncer to the statute book. We recognise it as critical that people are protected when they are out at night and if they have cause to go to the police the following day. Our objective is to stamp out spiking."
You can rewatch the full debate here from 17:24:48. Dr Hudson intervenes at 18:06:57.
