James Cleverly faces new Labour attack over date rape drug joke
James Cleverly, the home secretary, has come under fire from Labour after making a controversial joke about spiking his wife’s drink with a date rape drug. Emily Thornberry, the shadow attorney-general, accused Cleverly of displaying a deep vein of misogyny and called on him to be ashamed of himself.
The incident occurred at a No 10 reception, just hours after the Home Office announced plans to crack down on drink-spiking. Cleverly, addressing female guests, made the comment that a little bit of Rohypnol in her drink every night was not really illegal if it’s only a little bit. He further joked about the secret to a lasting marriage being a spouse who is always mildly sedated.
Thornberry condemned Cleverly’s comments, stating that she found them deeply misogynistic. To make light of such a serious issue is completely unacceptable, she said. It shows a lack of respect towards women and a disregard for the gravity of the situation.
Cleverly has since apologized for his remarks, describing them as an ironic joke. However, his apology has done little to quell the growing criticism. Many are calling for him to take further action to address his perceived misogyny.
Women’s rights groups have also voiced their concerns about Cleverly’s comments. Sarah Anderson, spokesperson for Women’s Equality Party, emphasized the need for political leaders to set an example. Jokes that trivialize crimes like spiking drinks only perpetuate a culture of gender-based violence, she said. It is disappointing to see a government minister engage in such inappropriate and offensive behavior.
The controversy surrounding Cleverly’s comments comes at a time when the issue of women’s safety is at the forefront of public discourse. The alarming rise in cases of drink-spiking, particularly in nightlife establishments, has prompted urgent action from authorities. The Home Office’s recent announcement of measures to tackle this issue demonstrates the government’s recognition of the severity of the problem.
Critics argue that Cleverly’s joke undermines these efforts and sends the wrong message to the public, particularly to potential perpetrators of such crimes. They stress the importance of politicians being responsible in their language and actions, as they have a direct impact on societal norms and attitudes.
In response to the criticism, Cleverly has promised to be more mindful of his words in the future. However, it remains to be seen whether this will be enough to repair the damage caused by his ill-advised remarks.
The Labour Party has called on Prime Minister Boris Johnson to take action against Cleverly, expressing concerns about his suitability for holding a high-ranking position in the government. Johnson has yet to respond to the demand, and it remains unclear how this situation will develop.
As public figures continue to face scrutiny for their comments and actions, it is evident that there is a growing demand for accountability and respect towards women. The repercussions of Cleverly’s thoughtless joke serve as a reminder that misogyny has no place in positions of power and influence.
The debate sparked by Cleverly’s remarks will likely contribute to ongoing discussions surrounding gender equality, consent, and the importance of fostering a safe and respectful society for all. The hope is that this incident will serve as a catalyst for change, prompting individuals and institutions to reflect on their attitudes and behaviors, and work towards a more inclusive and equitable future.
