The Met Police confirmed earlier this week they were investigating reports of an alleged drink spiking in a popular House of Commons bar – but said no arrests had been made
A popular bar in Parliament is to close for a security review after it emerged a police investigation was launched into alleged drink spiking.
A female researcher reported having her drink tampered with in Strangers’ Bar on the Palace of Westminster estate. The Met Police are now investigating.
A House of Commons spokesperson said: “Strangers’ Bar will close from Monday 20 January while security and safety arrangements are reviewed. The safety of everyone on the estate remains a key priority of both Houses.”
No10 said earlier this week the PM found the allegations of spiking at the bar, which is frequented by MPs, parliamentary staffers, and journalists, “incredibly concerning”.
The PM’s official spokesman said he could not comment on specifics while a live investigation takes place. But they added: “Women have a right to feel safe everywhere… everyone on the parliamentary state should feel safe in their workplace.
BLUESKY: Follow our Mirror Politics account on Bluesky here. And follow our Mirror Politics team here – Lizzy Buchan, Jason Beattie, Kevin Maguire, Sophie Huskisson, Dave Burke, Ashley Cowburn, Mikey Smith
POLITICS WHATSAPP: Be first to get the biggest bombshells and breaking news by joining our Politics WhatsApp group here. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you want to leave our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
NEWSLETTER: Or sign up here to the Mirror’s Politics newsletter for all the best exclusives and opinions straight to your inbox.
PODCAST: And listen to our exciting new political podcast The Division Bell, hosted by the Mirror and the Express every Thursday.
The spokesman also highlighted plans unveiled last year to make spiking a specific offence and to give spiking training for up to 10,000 staff in the night-time economy.
The Politico website, which first reported the claims, said the female researcher alerted security and staff in Strangers’ Bar to her drink having been tampered with.
The Met police said earlier this week: “Police received reports of an alleged spiking at an establishment in the House of Commons, on Tuesday, 7 January at around 18:30hrs. 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.”
The FDA union, which represents civil servants and public sector professionals, also said the alleged incident was “deeply concerning” and urged parliamentary authorities to “assess the risks and take immediate action to prevent this happening again”.
