Ex-MP Ritchie backing probe into parliamentary harassment claims
A FORMER Northern Ireland MP has called for a “rigorous investigation” into any Members who may have sexually harassed their colleagues in the wake of harassment claims that are dominating Westminster.
Ex-SDLP MP for South Down Margaret Ritchie said anyone working at Westminster had the right to be treated with dignity.
“I never experienced any form of sexual harassment in Westminster but if it is happening, and it looks as if it might be, then there has to be a rigorous investigation to stop it from ever happening again,” she told the Belfast Telegraph.
“It’s not just female MPs that are working there but also other female members of staff that have come straight out of university and want to work for an MP.
“They are working in the centre of parliamentary democracy should not be subject to any kind of harassment.
“I always believe that they are fast learners in their field of experience and they are people to be cherished and nurtured.
“Not only them, but parents whose children are working in Westminster have the right to know that their kids are working in an unhindered and safe environment.
“When I was working in West- minster I would always just go back to my room after I finished working so I never saw anything.
“We have to see if what has been said is true but anyone working there has the right to be treated with respect and dignity and the people should be operating within the levels of respect and dignity.
“I have no doubt that these revelations are empowering women who should be free to speak about these matters, and it is further empowering in conjunction with the #MeToo campaign.”
The #MeToo campaign was started in response to the allegations made against Hollywood movie mogul Harvey Weinstein.
More than 50 women have now come forward saying Weinstein raped or abused them during their time working with him.
Meanwhile, Lady Hermon, the independent MP for North Down, said she had been shocked by the revelations from Westminster.
“I have been in the House of Commons for 16 years and I have never experienced any sexual harassment, nor witnessed any,” she said.
“I’m certainly not in the WhatsApp group of women at Westminster who have apparently been warning each other about a number of MPs. So the revelations over the last few days have been truly shocking.”