Keir Starmer warns MPs not to leave drinks unattended in parliament amid spiking probe

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Keir Starmer has warned MPs not to leave drinks unattended in parliament after it emerged police are investigating reports of a spiking incident inside one of its bars.

The alleged incident took place at the start of January just after MPs returned from their long Christmas break.

The prime minister’s official spokesman said it is “incredibly concerning”, adding that “women have a right to feel safe everywhere – at work, at home, in our schools.”

He added that it was “not sensible” for MPs to leave drinks at the bar while they go to vote, but added: “The prime minister would let people follow their own common sense on this one”.

On the question of whether MPs should drink alcohol before they vote on important matters, he added: “It’s up to MPs. When it comes to this particular issue on the parliamentary estate it should be the case that everyone feels safe.”

The spokesperson also pointed to the government’s commitment to “drive up standards and improve culture in parliament”, as well as pointing to plans announced in November to make spiking a drink a specific criminal offence.

London’s Metropolitan Police are investigating after a woman reported her drink was spiked in the Stranger’s bar.

The woman, a parliamentary researcher, alerted bar staff and parliamentary security to the incident at around 6.30pm on 7 January.

A UK Parliament spokesperson said: “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 officials are understood to be taking the allegation extremely seriously.

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

They added in a statement 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.”