Drink-spiking in UK parliament raises concern

LONDON, United Kingdom (AFP) —British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s spokesperson on Thursday expressed concern after police confirmed they were investigating claims that a drink was spiked in one of the UK parliament’s bars.

London’s Metropolitan Police force said it was probing reports that a female parliamentary researcher had her drink tampered with inside parliament on 7 January, the day after members of parliament (MPs) returned from their Christmas break.

“These are incredibly concerning reports,” Starmer’s official spokesperson told reporters.

“Women have a right to feel safe everywhere. Everyone on the parliamentary estate should feel safe in their workplace,” he added.

The case was first reported by the Politico website, which said the alleged incident took place in Strangers’ Bar, one of several bars and restaurants at the Westminster site in central London.

The bar is used by MPs and their guests, parliamentary staff and political journalists.

A spokesperson for the Met said that an “investigation is ongoing and the victim is being supported by officers.”

“There have been no arrests at this stage,” the spokesperson added.