LOCAL MP David Mundell has secured an assurance from the Prime Minister that the new UK Government will legislate to tighten anti-spiking laws.
He raised the issue during last week’s Prime Minister’s Questions, highlighting a campaign led by Moffat business couple Colin and Mandy Mackie, whose 18-year-old son Greg died after consuming a spiked drink shortly after beginning university in Edinburgh.
The couple, proprietors of Glamour Gifts and Beauty Shop at Moffat, are determined to try to prevent other families experiencing the heartache they have felt since Greg’s tragic death.
Mr Mundell welcomed the new Government’s positive response to the proposed legislation, which was initiated by the previous Conservative administration and backed by the charity Spike Aware UK, founded by Mr and Mrs Mackie.
He asked Sir Keir Starmer: “Can the Prime Minister assure them (Mr and Mrs Mackie) that they and other campaigners will work with Ministers and officials not only in bringing forward that legislation but to ensure that awareness is raised of this abhorrent practise and its potentially fatal consequences?”
The Prime Minister responded: “Can I thank the Right Honourable Member for raising that tragic case. I join him in paying tribute to Greg’s parents.
“Their tireless work to raise awareness of spiking, to support victims and call for changes in the law is inspiring given what they have been through.
“This Government will act, we will make spiking a specific criminal offence to better protect victims and support the police in tackling these crimes.”
The proposed Westminster legislation will cover England and Wales but local constituency MSP Oliver Mundell is supporting moves for similar devolved legislation to be introduced at the Scottish Parliament.
