Strangers’ Bar: House of Commons venue closed indefinitely after drink spiking allegation | EUROtoday

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A bar within the House of Commons is being closed indefinitely from Monday whereas safety and security preparations are reviewed after a reported spiking incident.

The alleged spiking passed off firstly of January, simply after MPs returned from their lengthy Christmas break.

A House of Commons spokesperson mentioned: “Strangers’ Bar will close from Monday 20 January while security and safety arrangements are reviewed. The safety of everyone on the estate remains a key priority of both Houses.”

It comes after Sir Keir Starmer warned MPs to not depart drinks unattended in parliament, describing the stories as “incredibly concerning”.

His official spokesperson mentioned it was “not sensible” for MPs to go away drinks on the bar whereas they go to vote, however added: “The prime minister would let people follow their own common sense on this one”.

“Women have a right to feel safe everywhere – at work, at home, in our schools”, his spokesperson mentioned.

The spokesperson additionally pointed to the federal government’s dedication to crack down on spiking by making it a selected offence – and launching specialist coaching for as much as 10,000 bar employees nationwide.

London’s Metropolitan Police are investigating after a lady reported her drink was spiked. The parliamentary researcher alerted bar employees and parliamentary safety to the incident at round 6.30pm on 7 January.

A UK Parliament spokesperson mentioned: “We are aware of an incident which took place on the parliamentary estate in early January, which was reported to parliamentary security and is now being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Service.”

Parliamentary officers are understood to be taking the allegation extraordinarily significantly.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson confirmed it had “received reports of an alleged spiking at an establishment in the House of Commons”.

They added in an announcement on Wednesday: “The investigation is ongoing and the victim is being supported by officers. There have been no arrests at this stage.

“We would encourage anyone who believes they have been a victim or witness to spiking, in any form, to contact us on 101, or 999 in emergency. Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/house-of-commons-drink-spiking-strangers-bar-shut-b2681626.html