Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is set to meet with police chiefs, hospitality leaders, and transport executives in Downing Street to address the growing issue of spiking. This meeting aims to share best practices, improve preventive measures, and support victims, signaling a broader commitment to combating violence against women and girls.

A Multi-Sector Approach

The meeting will bring together key stakeholders to discuss strategies for tackling spiking in bars, clubs, and other public venues. The government plans to enhance training for bar staff to help them prevent incidents, support victims, and ensure evidence is properly retained.

Spiking—deliberately adding alcohol or drugs to someone’s drink or body without their knowledge—has been a rising concern. Despite being illegal, there are calls to classify it as a specific criminal offence. The government has reiterated its intention to do so but has not provided a timeline for implementing the legislation.

Political Commitments and Public Pressure

Prime Minister has framed reducing violence against women and girls as a “personal commitment,” with a goal to halve such incidents over the next decade. Monday’s meeting underscores the urgency of addressing crimes like spiking as part of this broader agenda.

Labour has also prioritized this issue, including a manifesto pledge to introduce a specific offence for spiking during the summer’s general election. However, the absence of related legislation in the King’s Speech in July has raised questions about the pace of progress.

Building Victims’ Confidence

A key element of the government’s strategy is fostering greater confidence among victims to report spiking incidents. Making spiking a specific criminal offence is seen as a potential deterrent and a way to encourage more survivors to come forward.

This idea gained traction over two years ago when a parliamentary committee recommended the move, arguing it could send a strong message to perpetrators and provide clearer legal avenues for justice.

A Broader Mission for Safer Streets

The government’s focus on spiking is part of a larger mission to create safer streets and environments for all, particularly women and girls. By involving police, hospitality, and transport leaders, the Downing Street meeting reflects a commitment to a collaborative and multi-sectoral approach.

While the intention to address spiking is widely welcomed, critics urge the government to move faster on enacting specific legislation. The public, particularly victims, will be watching closely to see if these discussions translate into meaningful action and safer spaces.

This meeting marks a step forward, but achieving real change will require sustained focus, comprehensive policies, and decisive action.