New Green Party MP Hannah Spencer has brought attention to the issue of drinking on the job, particularly in Westminster where she serves as the MP for Gorton and Denton. In an interview with Politics Joe, Hannah expressed her unease about the prevalent drinking culture in the Commons, citing instances where she noticed the smell of alcohol on colleagues between votes.

Her concerns have sparked mixed reactions from fellow MPs. Labour MP Natalie Fleet of Bolsover, who doesn’t drink herself, mentioned the smell of “fags & beer” in the Commons, while Luke Charters, another Labour MP, dismissed the issue as MPs simply being human and sometimes having a drink.

This is not the first time such concerns have been raised. Former Chief of Staff Sue Gray had previously called for the closure of Commons bars due to the reported negative impact of the drinking culture on behavior and safety. A recent report from Parliament’s behavior watchdog also highlighted how this culture could lead to intimidating incidents.

Despite the defense from some MPs, the public scrutiny remains high. Many other professions require people to work late, including bus drivers, firefighters, doctors, nurses, and teachers, yet they are not allowed to consume alcohol while on duty. The expectation is that showing up to work under the influence would result in immediate dismissal.

Hannah’s call for reform in the outdated practices of the Commons has gained support, with Reform leader Nigel Farage attempting to downplay her concerns. The debate continues as to whether MPs should be allowed to drink during working hours or if a shift towards post-work gatherings would be more appropriate.

As discussions unfold, the focus remains on the need for a professional and responsible environment in the House of Commons, especially considering the significant impact their decisions have on the lives of the public they serve.