25th November 2024
Police Chiefs, Industry Executives, and Transport Bosses Called to Downing Street to Tackle Spiking and Protect Women and Girls
The government has reinforced its commitment to combating violence against women and girls, making it central to its mission of ensuring safer streets.
A coordinated effort involving the police, transport networks, and the night-time economy is being launched, which includes training thousands of bar and hospitality staff to spot and address spiking incidents.
Nationwide Training to Prevent Spiking
Starting with a pilot in December, this initiative aims to equip staff with the skills necessary to prevent spiking, support victims, and assist police in gathering evidence. The training will expand to cover up to 10,000 bar staff across the country by spring next year.
Kezia Coleman, Chair of Kingston and Surbiton Labour Party, welcomed the move:
“As someone who has worked in hospitality in Kingston, I welcome this initiative to provide training to 10,000 bar staff across the UK to help prevent spiking and support both victims and the police.
Creating safer spaces for everyone is a vital step forward in making our night time economy safe and welcoming, alongside a justice system that works for victims.
Kingston’s night-time economy has so much to offer, from live music and club nights to great food and vibrant bars. We want to see it continue to grow again, as a space where everyone feels safe and welcome.”
Labour’s Previous Calls for Action
The Kingston and Surbiton Labour Party has previously called for stronger measures to improve safety in the night time economy. In March 2022, the party urged the council to act on making nightlife safer for both residents and hospitality staff through the Get Me Home Safely campaign.
Prime minister Keir Starmer emphasised the importance of this initiative:
“My government was elected on a pledge to take back our streets, and we will never achieve this if women and girls do not feel safe at night.
Today, I will bring together police chiefs, heads of industry, and transport bosses to demand coordinated action to stop women being targeted, whether they are out with friends or simply travelling home.
Cracking down on spiking is central to that mission.
We know it can be incredibly difficult for victims to come forward to report this awful crime, and these cases can be very hard to prosecute. We must do more to bring the vile perpetrators who carry out this cowardly act, usually against young women and often to commit a sexual offence, to justice.”
This initiative reflects a crucial step towards creating a safer and more inclusive night-time economy, ensuring that public spaces feel secure for all.
Read the statement from the Home Office here.
