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Original poster

To think MPs shouldn’t be drinking while at work?

238 replies

greywildoceans · 28/04/2026 06:44

There’s a big debate going on after new Green MP Hannah Smith has come out and said that you can smell the alcohol on MPs after lunchtime.

https://x.com/politicsjoe_uk/status/2048323140804100487?s=46

Of course all the usual lot are coming out saying it’s a British tradition to drink at work and she’s being “anti British”. I’ve worked in the public sector and the private sector and I have never encountered anyone who thought it was appropriate to drink while working. I’m confident that if anyone did, they’d be fired.

AIBU to say MPs should be banned from drinking while working?

PoliticsJOE (@PoliticsJOE_UK) on X

"You can smell the alcohol when people are in between votes." Green MP Hannah Spencer tells us what Westminster is REALLY like. The full interview is live on YouTube, and as a podcast here: https://t.co/s4mKAc0xku

https://x.com/politicsjoe_uk/status/2048323140804100487?s=46

OP posts:
NeverDropYourMooncup · 28/04/2026 07:08

Does she have any policies regarding the environment at all? All I've heard is clothes, that she gave a maiden speech with absolutely zero mention of the environment and now 'eww, other people smell, I don't drink, you know'.

(All said as a non drinker, by the way).

BelleEpoque27 · 28/04/2026 07:06

Times have definitely changed, but only relatively recently - I was absolutely going to the pub on a Friday lunchtime until around 2010/2012. And the HoC is a very traditional workplace where things likely change very slowly.

I'm not saying it's ok, but it's not really surprising it's happening. I guess if you started work after it stopped it must seem weird, but it was totally normal and acceptable when I started work (private sector) - our boss used to put a company credit card behind the bar 😳

ETA - I do very much think the subsidised bars and restaurants should come to an end. MPs earn very well, they can pay for their food and drink like everyone else.

Bogeyes · 28/04/2026 07:05

MP's do what they like.....they don't give a bugger what anybody thinks...

Original poster
greywildoceans · 28/04/2026 07:05

Hiddeninthetrees · 28/04/2026 07:05

I agree with her on this, it just isn't necessary or professional. I hope it isn't funded by the taxpayer.

Edited

Well it is, as we pay their salaries and for their subsidised bars!

OP posts:
Original poster
greywildoceans · 28/04/2026 07:05

millymollymoomoo · 28/04/2026 07:03

It’s perfectly ok to have a drunk at lunchtime

many office workers go out fir lunch and have a drink
same with bankers etc

this woman thinks it’s fine to legalise heroin but terrible to have a drink at lunch. Total lunatic party

No, “many office workers” don’t. If we did, we’d get the sack.

Decriminalising drugs is an entirely different policy and I think it goes to show how small minded some people are, that they can’t listen to anything said by someone who they disagree with.

OP posts:
Hiddeninthetrees · 28/04/2026 07:05

I agree with her on this, it just isn't necessary or professional. I hope it isn't funded by the taxpayer.

millymollymoomoo · 28/04/2026 07:03

It’s perfectly ok to have a drunk at lunchtime

many office workers go out fir lunch and have a drink
same with bankers etc

this woman thinks it’s fine to legalise heroin but terrible to have a drink at lunch. Total lunatic party

Bumbumbumbumbum2026 · 28/04/2026 07:03

They are probably up to a lot more than just that!

Original poster
greywildoceans · 28/04/2026 07:00

BobbySheenSomethingNewToDoNsoul · 28/04/2026 06:59

Most definitely times have changed for the better in that regard drinking at work should be and is unacceptable at work.

You’d hope it was unacceptable but now there are vast swathes of people who are apparently all for it, because a Green MP has called it out!

OP posts:
BobbySheenSomethingNewToDoNsoul · 28/04/2026 06:59

Most definitely times have changed for the better in that regard drinking at work should be and is unacceptable at work.

GingerBeverage · 28/04/2026 06:58

All the agencies that had pubs on the premises have sold them off now. It’s a relic.
In a country where we’re being told how unhealthy we are, it’s time to call time on it.

Original poster
greywildoceans · 28/04/2026 06:56

BobbySheenSomethingNewToDoNsoul · 28/04/2026 06:55

It's not tradition to have a pint at lunchtime,that boat sailed a long time ago.
I remember when the boss was up on a visit he'd take me to the pub pints and a pie .
I was nearly asleep by 3pm.
Mid 80s.

I genuinely can’t even imagine what would happen if I had a pint on my lunch break. I think the immediate sack is the bare minimum.

OP posts:
BobbySheenSomethingNewToDoNsoul · 28/04/2026 06:55

It's not tradition to have a pint at lunchtime,that boat sailed a long time ago.
I remember when the boss was up on a visit he'd take me to the pub pints and a pie .
I was nearly asleep by 3pm.
Mid 80s.

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