British home secretary apologises for ‘ironic joke’ about spiking wife’s drink

Mr Cleverly has previously described tackling violence against women and girls as a “personal priority” and called spiking a “perverse” crime.

James Cleverly apologised for the joke (Jordan Pettitt/PA)

British home secretary James Cleverly joked about spiking his wife’s drink with a date rape drug in comments made at a Downing Street reception.

Mr Cleverly’s unguarded remarks came just hours after his Home Office announced plans to crack down on spiking.