UK Home Secretary Apologizes for Date Rape Drug Joke

James Cleverly's comments spark criticism and calls for resignation amid government's crackdown on drink spiking.

UK Home Secretary James Cleverly has apologized for making a joke about spiking his wife's drink with a date rape drug at a Downing Street reception.
The joke was made on the same day the Home Office, which Cleverly oversees, announced plans to crack down on drink spiking.
Cleverly's comments have been criticized by senior Labour figures and women's rights groups, with some calling for his resignation.
Between May 2022 and April 2023, there were 6,732 reports of drink spiking in England and Wales, including 957 incidents of needle spiking.
The government has pledged to modernize the language used in legislation to make clear that spiking is a crime, but has stopped short of making it a specific offence.