A report by the Institute of Alcohol Studies says alcohol is deeply embedded in Westminster’s workplace culture, with MPs and staff describing frequent drinking and easy access throughout the day. It warns this can cause measurable harm, including harassment, humiliation and pressure on younger staff, while potentially normalising high-risk drinking among those working in Parliament.

The survey of 190 MPs and staff found that 42 per cent of MPs and 29 per cent of Westminster-based staff were offered alcohol at work meetings or events weekly, while nearly six in ten said it was more available than in previous workplaces. Nearly 10 per cent reported a negative experience caused by another person’s drinking, and interviewees said some colleagues had required hospital treatment before returning to work the next day. The report recommends restricting free alcohol to evening events and improving support for people with alcohol-related problems.