Cheap food for MPs
Food and drink is so cheap in Parliament that nearby commercially run cafes and restaurants have been undercut.
Last year, MPs could buy a pint of beer in Parliament’s Strangers’ Bar for just £3.45 – compared to the London average of £4.84.
A margherita pizza in the House of Commons cost £3.51 less than it did at the closest Pizza Express.
And MPs could get a double espresso for £1.16 from a taxpayer-subsidised cafe – compared to £2.40 from a Cafe Nero that operates commercially in a parliamentary building.
Last year, the price of a glass of wine started at £4.26 in the House of Commons, compared to £6 at the local Red Lion pub today.
And fish and chips was just £6.41 in the Members’ Dining Room last year, compared to £18 in the pub today.
In contrast, members of the public who wish to visit the House of Commons are charged £53 for a private dining experience with a three-course meal.
Visitors also pay £5 for a bowl of soup, compared to just 88p for Westminster insiders eating at the Members’ Tea Room.
This is despite the fact MPs have already had a £2,212 pay rise this year, bringing the total ‘basic’ salary to £84,144 for a backbencher.
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