In an effort to better combat spiking, the new Labour government is expected to introduce a specific criminal offence in the UK. As part of the King’s Speech, which precedes the State Opening of Parliament, a list of 35 proposed bills will be presented, with the inclusion of a spiking offence. Currently, spiking is not a specific offence and is instead categorised as a form of assault under the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.
Such a bill was outlined in Labour’s general election manifesto. According to reports, supporters believe the proposed legislation will aid police efforts to respond to the crime and protect victims. The National Police Chief’s Council has backed the bill, with revelations that spiking is underreported and hard to investigate due to drugs leaving the system quickly.
Last year, the Conservative government ruled out the option of introducing the spiking law. However, the outgoing government had included an intention to bring in a spiking offence in its election manifesto. The new Labour government is taking steps to follow through on this pledge, meaning Parliament will discuss the contents of the King’s Speech, including the spiking bill.
Other laws expected to be announced in the King’s Speech include the ban on conversion therapy, a generational smoking ban, and Martyn’s Law, which would require venues to prepare for the possibility of a terror attack. Following the speech, MPs will debate the contents delivered in the House of Commons
Read the full article from Mixmag here: Read More