UK government to make spiking a criminal offence

Spiking will become a new standalone criminal offence, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's office announced late on Nov 24, as the leader reiterated a vow to halve violence against women and girls.

Mr Starmer will convene police chiefs, industry executives and transport bosses in Downing Street on Nov 25, when he will urge more collaboration "to keep women and girls safe", his office said.

It comes with longstanding fears about female safety in public places increasing in recent years, in part after serving police officers were convicted in several high-profile cases of the murder and rape of young women.

Police forces also recorded an increase in spiking incidents in 2021, which they say has since declined - alongside a worrying new phenomenon of needle spiking.