Letter to Home Secretary: Concerns Over Spiking Incidents

I’m very concerned by recent reports of people being spiked by injection in Newcastle town centre. These incidents have understandably caused alarm among residents and visitors, and a number of constituents have contacted me directly to share their fears about safety on nights out.

Everyone should be able to enjoy themselves without worrying about their safety. Our town centre must be a place where people feel safe, welcome and protected – not somewhere where fear or uncertainty keeps people away.

Spiking by injection is part of a deeply troubling national trend that requires a strong and coordinated response.

That’s why I’ve written to the Home Secretary to raise residents’ concerns and to ask what assessment the Government has made of this rise in reports, what national data is being collected, and how local authorities, police and venues are being supported to tackle the problem and protect victims.

I’ll also be meeting the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner this afternoon to discuss what more can be done locally to ensure people can go out in Newcastle town centre – and across our constituency – feeling safe and confident.

You can read my full letter to the Home Secretary below:

Spiking - Letter to the Home Secretary.pdf

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