REDDITCH MP Rachel Maclean said she was concerned with the number of reported cases of spiking.
Mrs Maclean was previously the Minister for Safeguarding and, during her time in the Home Office, initiated work on several new measures to tackle spiking, including changes to legislation, research into self-testing kits, more training for door staff and better education and awareness for young people.
She said: “As a mum, I should not have to tell my children to watch out for concealed needles or drinks that have been tampered with – they should just be having a fun night out – yet the danger of spiking is very real.
“When I was a Home Office minister, I was determined to see stronger action taken against the perpetrators of this heinous crime, with harsher jail sentences.
“I pressed for greater awareness and understanding about the crime and increased support for those impacted by spiking.”
Mrs Maclean has pledged to raise the reported increase to the Secretary of States for Health and Home Office.
She added: “It is still a relatively unreported crime, but progress is being made with greater research and education.
“I also believe enhanced collaboration could be achieved between medics and the police, in order that evidence of spiking can be preserved.”
