Starmer Jokes About Green MP During Parliament Alcohol Debate

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TRH World Desk

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Jokes About Green Leader After MP Questions Alcohol Use in Parliament

London, May 20, 2026 — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer traded barbs with Green MP Hannah Spencer during Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) after she challenged the culture of alcohol consumption inside Parliament and questioned whether MPs should be drinking before votes.

Spencer, making her first appearance at PMQs, raised concerns over subsidised alcohol within the parliamentary estate and said she had been surprised to learn that some MPs drink before participating in votes.

“We have to pay full price for a pint but here for some reason it’s cheaper,” Spencer said, adding that it shocked her to discover some MPs drank before voting.

She asked Starmer whether he agreed with MPs who defend the right to drink inside Parliament or whether lawmakers “shouldn’t be drinking on the job,” especially given that Parliament votes on issues such as climate policy, disability rights, housing and child poverty.

Starmer Avoids Direct Answer, Turns Fire on Greens

Starmer did not directly endorse or reject restrictions on alcohol consumption in Parliament. Instead, he welcomed Spencer to PMQs and said there would naturally be differing opinions on whether MPs should be able to enjoy drinks within Westminster.

“There are going to be different views on whether people should be able to enjoy a drink here or not,” Starmer said.

The prime minister then pivoted toward Labour’s agenda, saying voters were more focused on economic delivery, public services and opportunity.

“The majority of people in this country want an economy that works for them, public services that are there when they need them, and every child going as far as their talent and ability will take them,” he said.

PM Takes Swipe at Green Leadership

The exchange took a sharper turn when Starmer mocked the Green Party leadership in a line that drew attention across the chamber. “And I know the Greens think that their leader walks on water,” Starmer said.

“It turns out that he just lives on water and doesn’t pay his council tax.” The remark appeared to reference controversy surrounding the Green Party leadership and housing arrangements.

The exchange added a lighter but pointed political moment to PMQs, while also reviving debate over Westminster’s long-standing culture around alcohol availability inside Parliament.

The issue has periodically surfaced in British politics, with critics arguing MPs should be held to workplace standards similar to other professions, while defenders maintain that social spaces within Parliament remain part of its institutional culture.