In a significant revelation, Jess Phillips, the current Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, disclosed that she covertly tested the Ask for Angela safety scheme at various venues across the United Kingdom. This initiative, which was established in 2016, was conceived as a response to the tragic murder of Angela Crompton at the hands of her husband. The scheme aims to provide individuals in distress with a discreet way to signal for help through the code word “Angela” when they are in participating establishments.
The Ask for Angela scheme allows individuals, particularly women, to signal their need for assistance without drawing attention to themselves. However, during her undercover visits, Phillips noted a disheartening trend; many venues were not adequately implementing the safety protocols associated with the scheme. This came to light after an investigation by the BBC, which uncovered that over half of the bars and pubs involved in the scheme failed to execute it properly.
Phillips expressed her dissatisfaction with the responses she received during her checks, describing them as wholly inadequate. “I have tested the Ask for Angela system a number of times, not just in London, but around the country,” she stated when interviewed by the BBC. Despite her efforts, she reported that the level of support and understanding of the scheme among venue staff was lacking.
In a particular instance, undercover researchers from the BBC posed as a couple on a date, and a female investigator approached bar staff while appearing distressed, asking for “Angela.” Astonishingly, the responses were largely confused, with many staff members completely unaware of the scheme’s implications, despite visible signage promoting Ask for Angela in their venues. This unearthed a glaring disconnect between the intention of the safety scheme and its practical implementation.
In light of these findings, Phillips lauded the BBC’s investigation, appreciating their role in spotlighting the deficiencies within the Ask for Angela program. She highlighted the crucial importance of proper training and implementation, stating, “None of these schemes are fit for purpose if they are not trained properly.” Her remarks underscored the fact that the existence of a safety scheme, without adequate staff training and awareness, essentially renders it ineffective.
Moreover, the government has recently announced new training initiatives aimed at addressing issues related to spiking incidents. Phillips emphasized the necessity for ongoing training rather than superficial measures such as merely putting up posters in venues, which she compared to “pink washing.” It’s clear that she believes effective safety measures require real action and understanding from venue staff and management.
After the BBC’s investigative report, various police forces, including those in Cambridgeshire, West Midlands, and Hertfordshire, announced they would be conducting spot checks at venues claiming to participate in the Ask for Angela scheme. These actions highlight a growing concern regarding the safety of patrons in public spaces and the urgent need to reevaluate the effectiveness of such safety measures.
Staff members from several prominent chains, including Greene King and JD Wetherspoon, were reported as unaware of the code word, raising questions about the adherence to the scheme at larger establishments. In response to the BBC’s findings, Greene King expressed its concern and committed to reviewing how the initiative is communicated to their staff, while JD Wetherspoon mentioned the potential for additional training if found necessary.
Interestingly, Westminster City Council has made participation in the Ask for Angela scheme a criterion for granting alcohol licenses. This emphasizes the local government’s recognition of the importance of safety measures within hospitality venues. However, there remains skepticism regarding the effective use of public funds, as substantial amounts have been allocated to promote the scheme by police and local councils.
The Ask for Angela scheme has since gained traction beyond the UK, expanding to countries like Canada and the Netherlands as municipalities globally look for ways to ensure citizens’ safety in social settings. Phillips’s insights reflect ongoing concerns regarding women’s safety and highlight the vital conversation around the accountability of venues involved in such safety initiatives. Thus, the call for deeper systemic changes and meaningful training is more pertinent than ever in order to safeguard individuals in public spaces.
