John Bercow: more MPs seeking help for alcoholism

The Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow, has said that more MPs are seeking help for alcohol problems. His comment was made as Parliament attempts to crack down on Westminster’s drinking culture following highly publicized incidents involving MPs under the influence of alcohol.

In one incident, drunken Labour MP Eric Joyce attacked four Conservative politicians in a House of Commons bar before telling police: “You can’t touch me, I’m an MP”. In this, Mr Joyce was mistaken. He was prosecuted and he admitted four counts of assault at Westminster Magistrates’ Court. Magistrates imposed a 12-month community order and fined him £3,000. Mr Joyce said he was “ashamed and embarrassed”.

In an interview for Sky News’ Murnaghan programme, Mr Bercow suggested that there may be politicians with ‘other addiction issues’ as the House ‘reflects wider society’. It has emerged that House of Commons staff are to be told to top up MPs’ glasses fewer times at Parliamentary receptions, to discourage excessive drinking. Mr Bercow said there is no longer a heavy subsidy on alcohol served in Parliament’s bars, and he said John Bercow: more MPs seeking help for alcoholism

“I think it is important that the medical service in the House is as aware as it can be of members with problems. There is some evidence now that more members and staff who have got drink-related issues are seeking help and that’s a positive.

“I think we are a reflection of society and just as there are people in every walk of life who have got issues to do with alcohol, and possibly other addiction issues, there can be problems in this place.”

However, at least one MP is adamant that more needs to be done. George Galloway, the new ‘Respect’ MP for Bradford West, who is reported to be teetotal, demanded that every House of Commons bar be closed to stop MPs passing laws while they are under the influence. “No one else is allowed to drink alcohol while they work”, Mr Galloway said, “Why are we?”