MPs’ drinking culture in Parliament slammed in new report
- A report by the Institute of Alcohol Studies warns that alcohol is freely available all day in Westminster, leading to “real, measurable harm” and a deeply embedded drinking culture.
- A survey of 190 MPs and staff revealed that nearly 10 per cent experienced negative incidents due to colleagues’ drinking, including unwanted sexual attention, harassment, and humiliation.
- The report highlights that younger staff face increased risks due to ingrained power dynamics and peer pressure to consume alcohol.
- Concerns include MPs having their stomachs pumped and the easy accessibility of alcohol encouraging unhealthy behaviour and normalising high-risk drinking.
- Recommendations for improvement include limiting free alcohol provision to evening events and enhancing support for individuals experiencing alcohol problems within Parliament.
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