Every MSP to be given compulsory harassment training

Scotland’S cabinet ministers, MSPs and senior parliament staff are to be given sexual harassment training.

officials disclosed plans to crack down on inappropriate behaviour at Holyrood but failed to give voters powers to sack politicians guilty of misconduct.

Instead, an inquiry at the Scottish parliament has recommended encouraging a ‘positive culture change’.

this will see all MSPs, ministers and those working in the building who manage staff attend mandatory sexual harassment training.

the inquiry was sparked by allegations of sexual misconduct at Holyrood which emerged as part of the Me too movement following high-profile cases in Hollywood and Westminster.

the probe also came after exminister Mark Mcdonald was

‘Positive culture change’

forced to resign from the SnP after being accused of harassing two women.

Yesterday’s report by the standards, procedures and public appointments committee said it had considered introducing an ‘ultimate sanction’ which would see MSPs dismissed if found to have committed misconduct.

But it claimed this would place a sensitive issue in the hands of voters with an electoral contest, and could cause further trauma for victims, while suspensions pending investigations into claims would cause problems.

committee convener clare Haughey said: ‘Key among our aims must be promoting a culture in which sexual harassment is unacceptable and people have the confidence to report misconduct.’