A bar in the House of Commons is being closed indefinitely from Monday while security and safety arrangements are reviewed after an alleged spiking incident.
The alleged incident took place at the start of January, just after MPs returned from their long Christmas break.
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.”
It comes after Sir Keir Starmer warned MPs not to leave drinks unattended in parliament, describing the reports as “incredibly concerning”.
His official spokesperson said 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”.
“Women have a right to feel safe everywhere – at work, at home, in our schools”, his spokesperson said.
London’s Metropolitan Police are investigating after a woman reported her drink was spiked.
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.”
Updates to follow…