Green MP Hannah Spencer faces backlash after highlighting the heavy drinking culture in Parliament, with one fellow MP reportedly calling her a ‘bitch’.
The MP for Gorton and Denton, a former plumber who won a by-election in February, expressed unease about the prevalence of alcohol in Westminster. She notes that she can smell alcohol on people between votes and points to questionable and potentially dangerous behavior by staff and some MPs due to this unprofessional environment.
Criticism from Colleagues
Labour MP Luke Charters dismissed her comments as a distraction from the Green Party’s policies, including its pledge to legalize and regulate all drugs if it gains power.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage mocked the remarks, joking that while the Greens back drug legalization, an afternoon pint crosses the line.
Support and TV Discussion
Former shadow cabinet minister Emily Thornberry shared that she was surprised by the drinking culture upon arriving in Parliament, though she notes it has improved.
The topic surfaced on BBC’s Have I Got News for You, where journalist Ava Santina described the backlash. She recounted MPs labeling Spencer a ‘snitch’ and one saying, ‘She’s such a b****, this is the only time I get away from my children.’ Santina added that after filming in the drinking room, MPs questioned, ‘Why are you snitching?’ She noted defenses like, ‘We just have a beer here or there, we normally have coke.’
Panelists reacted with humor: Ian Hislop quipped, ‘Now the story is getting interesting,’ while Paul Merton joked, ‘Is that why they say the “nos(e)” have it?’
Spencer’s Defense
Spencer stands by her stance, stating, ‘I don’t think it’s much to ask for an MP to be sober when they vote on decisions that affect everyone else. I’d have been sacked at work if I did this, same goes for almost every profession, but especially working-class jobs. MPs defending this and lecturing me are the exact reason I’ve been saying this place is full of people who are out of touch.’
She argues the drinking levels would be unacceptable in most workplaces, particularly working-class ones.
Past Concerns and Incidents
Spencer is not alone. In 2021, former Tory minister Tracey Crouch criticized MPs reeking of alcohol between votes.
Parliament’s subsidized Strangers’ Bar closed briefly last January after a drink-spiking report, prompting tighter security. Visitors and staff now require an MP’s presence.
