Spiking Incidents: Prevention — [Esther McVey in the Chair]

She expressed concern about the prevalence of spiking incidents and the measures victims are advised to take, such as covering drinks and wearing denim jackets. She highlighted the need for a new offence for spiking and commended the bravery of Sharon Gaffka, an anti-spiking campaigner. Davies-Jones also supported the Home Affairs Committee's report and called for a joined-up approach from the UK Government to ensure consistency across police services in prosecuting perpetrators.

Reports an increase in spiking incidents among both young males and females upon the return of students after the pandemic, advocating for testing kits to gather evidence for prosecutions.

The offence of spiking is one of the most repugnant acts and should be addressed as part of a wider campaign to prevent violence against all genders. It includes instances where family members commit such crimes, highlighting its severity beyond casual acquaintances or strangers.

Highlights that spiking is not limited to women but also affects young men who are sometimes robbed of significant sums after being spiked, arguing against linking the offence exclusively to sexual purposes. Ms Caroline Nokes discusses cases of spiking that have affected her constituents and highlights the need for clear legal action to address spiking incidents. Caroline Nokes mentioned the role of bouncers in identifying and assisting individuals who may be spiked, noting an incident where a constituent was mistakenly believed to be drunk rather than drugged.

Asks clarification on how the proposed spiking offence differs from section 61 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, which addresses substances administered without consent for sexual purposes.

The right hon. Member for Kingston upon Hull North mentions the valuable research done by her Committee on spiking and expresses concern about data collection issues.

Diana R. Johnson noted that only 25% of spiking victims report incidents to the police, according to a Home Affairs Committee inquiry. She recommended education, training, awareness, local authority action, national strategy on prevention, rapid testing for reported incidents, and suggested a review of section 182 of the Licensing Act. She urged the Minister to set out the timetable for consultation. Questions the Minister's position on whether there will be no change to the law regarding spiking incidents, as per a letter dated 20 December.

Described working with the Street Pastors in Loughborough, highlighting the support for knife arch schemes among security staff and residents. Cited recommendations from Loughborough Students Union to update SIA training on spiking awareness, amend Licensing Act 2003 section 182, and enforce pub and club watch schemes.

Jim Shannon highlighted that spiking is a nationwide issue impacting young people, with up to 43,000 people spiked in the UK over the past year. He mentioned 17 spiking incidents at a nightclub in Londonderry and stressed the need for co-ordination between the Government and nightclubs to address this issue effectively. Mr Shannon noted that there are two other speakers following him.

The number of spiking incidents has been increasing over the last few months according to a message from the police and crime commissioner for Dyfed-Powys.

The MP highlighted the need for a specific criminal offence of spiking, noting recent figures indicating almost 5,000 incidents in one year. She emphasized that these figures are likely an underestimate due to underreporting and recommended compulsory safeguarding training for staff at music festivals.

Agrees with the speaker's work and advocates for a focus on educating men about misogyny rather than burdening women with responsibility to avoid spiking incidents.

The MP acknowledged the unacceptable nature of spiking incidents, which now include food, drinks, and needle spiking. She emphasized the need for a coherent approach to criminalize spiking through existing legislation, linking it to the violence against women and girls strategy.

Rachel Maclean highlighted the Home Office's efforts in preventing spiking incidents, particularly mentioning the success of measures implemented during the summer festival season. She also questioned whether new criminal offences were necessary for better legal action against spikers and asked for clarification on why a clear criminal offence was not required despite expert advice from frontline policing.

I am concerned about the high number of spiking incidents reported in Nottingham, which had one of the highest numbers of needle-spiking cases last year. The better data we have, the more effective our response will be; I support the National Police Chiefs' Council's efforts to establish a reporting mechanism for spiking incidents and Government initiatives such as funding for safer street wardens and CCTV cameras.

Sally-Ann Hart expressed concern about the high number of spiking incidents, particularly in Sussex. She called for anti-spiking measures at nightclubs and bars to become standard practice, increased convictions with severe sentences, and improved education for young people. She also highlighted the Ask for Angela scheme and advocated for expedited progress on legislation.

Ms Jones highlighted the underreporting of spiking incidents and called for better support for victims to come forward. She urged the government to introduce a specific offence of spiking, citing 5,000 reported cases but noting that this is likely an underestimate due to stigma and lack of confidence in authorities. She also commended good work done by police forces like West Midlands Police and Northumbria PCC on addressing spiking.

One in nine women and 6% of men have been spiking victims, indicating a serious issue requiring legislative change. The speaker also highlighted the case of Maisy Farmer and called for increased awareness and support for those affected.

Supports the campaign to recognise spiking as a criminal offence, noting that one Chelmsford nightclub has taken measures like CCTV installation to keep women safe.

Noted that women and girls make up 74% of spiking victims and cited over 50 reported cases in Bolton last year. Emphasised the importance of Ask for Angela training to protect individuals from spiking incidents, highlighting real-life stories of victims.