Redditch MP calls for changes in law to tackle spiking
This comes after police recorded 4,924 cases from 1 September 2021 to 31 August 2022
Rachel Maclean, the MP for Redditch, has called on the government to take further action to tackle spiking.
The MP said during a speech in Parliament that the law should be amended to specifically reflect the term spiking.
MPs from across the house debated the issue, during which Miss Maclean highlighted the work the government has already undertaken to tackle spiking.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council recorded 2,581 reported cases of spiking by needle; 2,131 reported cases of spiking by drink, and 212 reported cases of spiking by other means, particularly food.
While men are impacted by this crime, the vast majority of victims of spiking are women and girls.
Miss Maclean said “this crime needs to be prevented, and that takes cross system work including health, education, local councils, the security industry, hospitality, the night-time economy and festivals”.
The MP added “I'm calling for an amendment to the law to specifically reflect the term spiking.
"To be clear, spiking - whether by drink needle or any other method, is already against the law, and it could attract a maximum sentence of 10 years depending on the circumstances of the crime, but I believe this minor amendment would help us protect more victims".