House of Lords' Champagne Sales Hit Five-Year High Amid Cost of Living Crisis

SNP criticizes unelected Lords for 'lavish lifestyles' while many households struggle financially; House of Lords counters that sales were not taxpayer-funded.

• Champagne sales in the House of Lords reached a five-year high in 2023, with almost £90,000 worth of champagne sold, equating to 1,589 bottles.
• The Scottish National Party (SNP) obtained these figures through a Freedom of Information request, and has criticized the House of Lords for being 'archaic and out of touch' amid a cost of living crisis.
• SNP MP Tommy Sheppard argued that while many households struggle financially, unelected Lords are living lavish lifestyles, highlighting the disparity between the Lords and the general public.
• In response, a House of Lords spokesperson stated that most of the champagne was sold at a profit in the gift shop or at events hosted by external organizations, and was not paid for by the taxpayer.
• In 2020, during the COVID-19 lockdown, champagne sales in the House of Lords were significantly lower, with only 180 bottles sold, amounting to just £8,982.

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