Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleRebecca ThomasSaturday 01 August 2026 16:03 BSTHannah Spencer heckled as she criticises MPs drinking in ParliamentA 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.In fullBoozy Westminster MPs are drinking so much they are having their stomachs pumped, report warnsMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in