Local MP tells constituent’s story in Parliament to push for urgent systemic action on ‘spiking’

Alistair Strathern, MP for Hitchin, has spoken out in Parliament to highlight the devastating impact of spiking, sharing the heartbreaking story of his Hitchin constituent who was spiked while out celebrating her birthday.

Strathern shared his constituents experience and subsequent work as a campaigner during the debate on Clause 94 of the Crime and Policing Bill, which introduces a new offence to criminalise administering harmful substances, including through spiking. 

In his speech, Strathern highlighted how authorities failing to take his constituents experience seriously led to her being re-traumatised all over again, an experience shared by far too many spiking victims across the country. The MP underlined the need for the Government to go beyond legislation, and work with police forces and agencies across the country to ensure they prioritise spiking offences and train officers and staff to respond appropriately. 

The intervention comes following Strathern meeting with his constituent, who described the trauma she experienced and the failure of authorities to support her. 

Commenting Alistair Strathern MP said:

“It was heartbreaking to meet with and hear directly from my constituent about the trauma she experienced when she was spiked.

“What’s even more heartbreaking is the fact she was forced to be traumatised all over again by the unacceptable response from public authorities.

“It’s impossible not to be inspired by her brave campaigning on this, and I was privileged to be able to share her story in Parliament today to underline the urgent need for whole system change.

“I really welcome this Government’s move to criminalise spiking, it’s long overdue. However, we need to go further and see not just a change in the law, but a change in culture, to ensure victims are treated with compassion, not confusion.

“I’ll be working closely with our local Police and Crime Commissioners to make sure these changes are delivered on the ground and pushing the Government to ensure they do the same.”

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