THE MOTHER OF PARLIAMENTS
The crucial 7 steps we all need to take
AT last Westminster is speaking about sexual harassment and abuse in parliament. This is long overdue.
I raised it in the Commons Committee on Standards last year so this problem has been is anything but a recent development.
We have heard the brave stories this week of victims of sexual harassment and assault. We have seen MPs standing down from the Cabinet and suspended from their parties.
This is a good first step. But we must go further.
There needs to be an established, independent Human Resources department in Parliament and training for MPs.
I will be presenting “Seven demands for Parliament to clean up its act” to Jeremy Corbyn and the Labour Party. 1. Compulsory management training for all MPs. 2. A compulsory training session for all staff of MPs, including constituency staff. 3. A clear system of warnings for MPs who breach the rules when it comes to conduct. 4. MPs should not be allowed to use the Sports and Social bar in Parliament. 5. The Parliamentary Labour Party should produce a new members pack for staff with: a. Information about their recognised Trade Union with contact details for the TU Representatives. b. What to do in an emergency, e.g. fire or terrorist attack. c. Information of what to do if there is bullying, harassment, abuse, intimidation or discrimination in the workplace. d. Other FAQs regarding pay, security procedures etc. This pack should be issued with the new staff member’s parliamentary pass or parliamentary email. 6. Commitment from all parties on a code of conduct and to act accordingly if there is a breach of this. This must include the removal of the whip and party membership and permission to stand as a parliamentary candidate in elections. 7. A commitment from the Labour Whips and the Labour Leadership to not hide reports of abuse or harassment to protect the party’s interests. I hope my parliamentary colleagues will support these demands and that we can put an end to brushing complaints of sexual abuse and harassment under the carpet for good.
We owe it to those who have bravely come and shared their accounts to make sure that nobody is let down by the lack of reporting systems in
Parliament again.