UK House of Commons needs ‘seismic shift’, says report
LONDON: An independent inquiry into alleged sexual harassment in the UK House of Commons concluded on Monday that there needs to be a “seismic shift” in the workplace, stating the mandate of MPs “does not entitle them to bully or harass” employees.
The report by former high court judge Laura Cox makes a damning indictment of the prevailing culture in the corridors of power: “Amongst current and former staff alike there is an obvious pride and affection for the House and its status.
“But that sense of loyalty has been tested to breaking point by a culture, cascading from the top down, of deference, subservience, acquiescence and silence, in which bullying, harassment and sexual harassment have been able to thrive and have long been tolerated and concealed.”
The inquiry was set up in March following allegations of bullying against Speaker John Bercow, who has held the post since 2009. “Parliament is diminished,” the report said.
THE MANDATE OF MPS ‘DOES NOT ENTITLE THEM TO BULLY’, THE REPORT STATED
Cox said that during the inquiry, she heard many complaints that were “disturbing”.
She said that staff “were not people set on revenge or out to malign either individuals or the reputation of the House itself”. She also found there was a lack of faith that a new complaints procedure will tackle the culture.
Responding to the report, the lower house of Parliament said: “Bullying and harassment have no place in the House of Commons... Staff must be confident that unacceptable behaviour will be dealt with seriously, independently and with effective sanctions. “Urgent work has already been undertaken to improve internal processes – including the introduction of new confidential support services and helplines run by external, independent specialist providers and a clear pathway for the investigation of allegations,” it added.