Women MPs warn new safeguards do not go far enough

Measures only cover staff at Parliament

Labour women MPs have hit out at “disappointing” plans agreed by party leaders to introduce new safeguards for parliamentary staff following Westminster sleaze allegations.

Prime Minister Theresa May, Jeremy Corbyn and their counterparts from smaller parties decided on a new grievance procedure that is expected to be in place next year.

An existing complaints hotline will be upgraded to a face-to-face human resources service by the end of the month.

But Labour MPs who have led the campaign to crack down on sexual abuse and harassment said the reforms did not go far enough.

Jess Phillips said: “Find this utterly disappointing. Great a grievance procedure, the victims will be thrilled. What if they don’t work in Parliament?

“What about sanctions, what about specialist support from actual professionals who know what they are talking about on sexual violence/ harassment.

“So if you don’t work in Parliament and an MP assaults you, or MP’s staff does, how will this help?”

Stella Creasy said: “Still much work to do making parliament safe if this only comes into place in a year and only covers MP staff.”

Mrs May said the reforms were an “important step forward” in tackling abuses of power.

She said: “I think if this hasn’t happened to you it’s difficult to appreciate the impact that being a victim of this sort of behaviour can have, it simply has a lasting impact on people.

“And we need to do more to stop these abuses of power and I’m pleased that having convened this meeting of party leaders today we have agreed a way forward.”

Mr Corybn said: “The proof of the pudding is going to be in the eating here. We’ve agreed to meet, we’ve agreed to set up this urgent group to represent the staff who work in this building.”

SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford said: “Parliament must be able to lead by example, and as politicians, we need to put in place mechanisms that fully support staff. There must be zero tolerance to sexual harassment or bullying and staff in Westminster need to know they will be fully supported.”

Soifyou don’t work in Parliament andanMP assaults you, or MP’s staff does, how will this help? JESS PHILLIPS MP

Picture: PA. Prime Minister Theresa May leaves Downing Street ahead of the party leaders’ meeting.