UK Home Secretary Apologizes for Rohypnol Joke Amid Spiking Crackdown

James Cleverly faces backlash and calls for resignation following inappropriate comments made at a Downing Street reception.

James Cleverly, the UK Home Secretary, has apologized for making a joke about spiking his wife's drink with Rohypnol, a date rape drug, during a Downing Street reception.
The joke was made hours after the Home Office, which Cleverly heads, announced plans to crack down on drink spiking.
Cleverly's comments have sparked outrage, with calls for his resignation from campaigners and opposition politicians.
Between May 2022 and April 2023, there were 6,732 reports of spiking in England and Wales, including 957 reported incidents of needle spiking.
Cleverly has defended his record, stating that he was the first Home Secretary to propose legislation to strengthen the ability to deal with spiking.