Two weeks ago, the Speaker shut down Strangers Bar in Parliament after a reported spiking incident triggered a Met Police investigation. The closure was meant to allow a review of “security and safety arrangements.” Since then, the House of Commons Commission—the body responsible for keeping Westminster secure—has been weighing up stricter measures such as CCTV cameras and restricted access from the Terrace. Now their sights are set on staffers…
Guido hears there are discussions on whether to ban staffers from the bar altogether—a move that could drain an estimated £300,000 a year from the estate’s coffers. Meanwhile, parliamentary staff received an email last night probing whether they were present on the night of the alleged spiking. If the crackdown goes ahead, they’ll have to find a new haunt for their beloved Thirsty Thursdays…
Sarah Pochin at Reform Scotland’s manifesto launch event: “I really wanted to come on in a Reform tartan burka, but apparently I wasn’t allowed… One day let’s do one of these events not live-streamed. We’ll do all the naughty stuff…”