Latest news British parliament closes bar due to suspected spiking
Following allegations made by a member of staff, one of the bars in London's parliament is temporarily closed. The police are investigating the suspicion that something may have been slipped into the woman's drink.
18.01.2025, 05:14
SDA
The "Strangers' Bar" will remain closed from Monday while security measures are reviewed, the House of Commons confirmed.
The bar is behind closed doors and is a meeting place for MPs and others from the political establishment. A member of parliamentary staff reported in early January that her drink had been tampered with, the British news agency PA reported.
"The investigation is ongoing and the victim is being supported by officers," the Metropolitan Police said. A spokesman for Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the suspicion worrying.
Government wants to take action against spiking
Only a few weeks ago, the government announced that it wanted to take stronger action against the danger of knockout drops in bars and clubs. Perpetrators put drugs in their victims' drinks when spiking in order to rape them later, for example.
Alcohol consumption in the British parliament has already made headlines on several occasions. There are several cafés and bars in the famous building on the Thames - the Palace of Westminster. According to a complaints office in Parliament, alcohol also often plays a role when it comes to inappropriate behavior.
