‘MPs have had their stomachs pumped’: concerns over ‘alcohol-soaked’ culture in Westminster
A report by the Institute of Alcohol Studies found that alcohol is deeply embedded in the daily work culture of Westminster, with free drinks often available from midday. Survey responses from 190 MPs and staff highlighted frequent drinking at meetings, networking events, and lobbying activities, contributing to concerns about professionalism and health. Incidents such as a researcher’s drink being spiked and an MP requiring stomach pumping underscore the potential risks of this culture.
- ▪The IAS survey of 190 MPs and staff revealed that 42% of respondents were offered an alcoholic drink at work meetings weekly, and 13% received offers daily.
- ▪Some MPs have experienced severe health effects, including one who required stomach pumping after excessive drinking.
- ▪Free alcohol is commonly provided at lobbying events and daytime meetings, reinforcing a casual attitude toward drinking in the workplace.
- ▪Incidents like a drink‑spiking investigation and the case of Labour MP Neil Coyle drinking up to 200 units a week have heightened scrutiny of Westminster’s drinking culture.
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| Original publisher | The Guardian — UK |
| Canonical URL | https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/aug/01/mps-stomachs-pumped-uk-parliament-alcohol-culture-report |
| Publication time | Sat, 01 Aug 2026 07:00:47 GMT |
| Retrieval time | 2026-08-01T07:15:29.268Z |
| Last seen | 2026-08-01T07:15:29.268Z |
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MPs socialise on the terrace outside the House of Commons. Politicians have described how alcohol is readily available throughout the day, including at daytime lobbying events. Photograph: Mark Kerrison/In Pictures/GettyView image in fullscreenMPs socialise on the terrace outside the House of Commons. Politicians have described how alcohol is readily available throughout the day, including at daytime lobbying events. Photograph: Mark Kerrison/In Pictures/GettyPolitics‘MPs have had their stomachs pumped’: concerns over ‘alcohol-soaked’ culture in WestminsterAlcohol is embedded in profession where long hours, loneliness and lobbying are the norm, report findsDenis CampbellSat 1 Aug 2026 03.00 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleParliament is “Britain’s last alcohol-soaked workplace” where…
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