Parliament Bar closed after alleged spiking incident
A bar in Parliament will be closed on Monday for a safety and security review following reports that a woman’s drink was laced with drugs.
The alleged incident took place in early January at the Strangers Bar, which is open to MPs and their guests as well as parliamentary staff.
“The safety of everyone on the estate remains a key priority for both Houses,” a House of Commons spokesperson said.
The bar, which is not normally open on Fridays or weekends, will be closed while safety and security arrangements are reviewed. Police is also investigating.
A parliamentary researcher reported tampering with his drinks to bar staff and security on Tuesday 7 January, Parliament’s second day after the festive recess.
The branch of the GMB union representing MPs’ staff said the closure was “very encouraging”.
Jenny Simmons, chair of the GMB branch, said: “House officers have a duty of care to the entire parliamentary community, but this is especially important for MPs’ staff as we face vulnerabilities with power dynamics. ”
“GMB will continue to closely monitor this review and its findings.”
A Met Police spokesperson It was previously confirmed that an investigation is ongoing and the victim is being supported.,
Number 10 said Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer found the report “incredibly worrying”.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper previously condemned spiking, calling it “a disturbing and serious crime which can have a damaging and long-lasting impact on victims”. Government There is also a promise to curb violence against women and girls through the Crime and Policing Bill,
Parliament’s official complaints authority, the Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme (ICGS), has criticized Westminster’s heavy drinking culture as a “persistent factor” in complaints and breaches of the code of conduct.
Based on 30 ICGS investigations between 2021 and 2022, announced in October, the watchdog found that drinking in Parliament’s many bars often leads to “intimidating behaviour”.
