In a united front, Members of Parliament have rallied behind the proposal for a specific offense against spiking, initially suggested by previous Home Secretary Priti Patel, and re-enforced by the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA). This call gained momentum during Michael Kill’s testimony, CEO of the NTIA, at the initial Home Affairs Committee on Spiking.
The Backbench Business Committee, led by Judith Cummins MP, is set to address the pressing issue of crime categorization on the 14th December in Westminster Hall.The committee aims to rectify the delay in the government’s report due by April 28, 2023.
Momentum Grows Amidst Conflicting Signals:
The proposal gains momentum not only due to the overdue report but also in response to the government’s recent acknowledgement of a change in perspective regarding the need for a specific spiking offence. Cross-party unity seeks to clarify the situation and expedite the release of the much-anticipated report amidst mixed messages from the Home Office and Home Secretaries.
Seven Offences, One Urgent Call: Cummins’ Revelation:
Cummins highlighted the urgency during the recent committee meeting, stating, “Spiking can fall under seven different offences: three if it is by drink and four if it is by needle or drink. It often under-reported or reported incorrectly, and it is near impossible for anybody to make any sense of the wide scale spread of spiking.Already, the call for a specific spiking offence has received widespread support, with 33 Members of Parliament from five political parties endorsing the application. The movement further bolstered by a ten-minute rule Bill introduced in June 2023 by Richard Graham.
Data Deficiency: NTIA CEO Stresses Need for Change:
Michael Kill, CEO of NTIA, emphasises the need for robust data to combat this crime effectively, a requirement not met by the existing legislative framework. The absence of spiking recognised as a distinct crime appears almost surreal, given its impact on thousands of people’s lives.
With the backing of the cross-party backbench committee and the current Home Secretary, there is a renewed confidence that a fresh opportunity will arise to address the legislative shortcomings.
The goal is to establish spiking as a separate category, which will streamline the process to track this crime and strengthen intelligence and profiling of perpetrators, in a drive to reduce the exposure to this crime within society.
