Westminster drinking culture under scrutiny after report warns of harm

A report by the Institute of Alcohol Studies surveyed 190 MPs and parliamentary staff and found that alcohol is freely available throughout the working day in Westminster. Forty‑two percent of MPs said they are offered an alcoholic drink at a work meeting or event at least weekly, and 13 % said they have daily access. Nearly one‑tenth of respondents reported negative incidents linked to colleagues’ drinking, including unwanted sexual attention, harassment and humiliation. The report cites cases of MPs having their stomachs pumped after excessive drinking and warns that the culture encourages unhealthy behaviour and normalises high‑risk consumption.

MPs such as Beccy Cooper (Worthing West) and Green Party MP Hannah Spencer have called for a formal workplace alcohol policy and tighter controls on free drinks, arguing that the current environment is unprofessional and harmful to staff wellbeing.