MPs could be expelled in abuse crackdown

HARASSMENT: New sanctions would see penalties for those found guilty of inappropriate behaviour in Parliament

MPs and peers could face recall or expulsion under new sanctions for bullying and abuse recommended in a report which found evidence of widespread allegations of sexual harassment within Parliament.

A survey of 1,377 parliamentary workers found that almost one in five (19%) said they had experienced or witnessed sexual harassment or inappropriate behaviour over the past year – with twice as many female as male complainants.

And 39% of respondents reported experience of non-sexual harassment or bullying over the same period.

The report, by a cross-party working group chaired by Leader of the Commons Andrea Leadsom, recommended creating a binding Parliament-wide Behaviour Code as well as an independent complaints procedure and confidential helplines to report abuse.

MPs, peers and staff will have compulsory training sessions in understanding and preventing harassment. And a new Independent Sexual Violence Adviser will be appointed to support anyone making a complaint involving inappropriate sexual behaviour.

Former Tory activist Kate Maltby, whose complaint about Damian Green touching her knee led to an inquiry resulting in his removal as deputy prime minister, welcomed the report as a “step in the right direction”, but voiced concerns about proposals to grant anonymity to the subjects of sexual harassment complaints.

“What we know in all of these cases is it is almost always the case that someone accused, plausibly, of sexual harassment is a serial offender, and that when one woman makes a complaint, others are finally emboldened to do so,” she said.

Under the proposed system, complaints against MPs, peers or members of staff would spark a confidential inquiry, with a tougher range of sanctions for those found to have behaved inappropriately.

Following a report from the Parliamentary Standards Commissioner, standards committees in the Commons and Lords would be able to recommend the suspension of an MP or peer for a specified period.

The report warned that care must be taken to ensure MPs do not have their reputations destroyed by false complaints. The report will be considered by both Houses, with a debate due to take place on February 20.

Pictures: PA Former Tory activist Kate Maltby made a complaint about Damian Green touching her knee, leading to an inquiry resulting in his removal as deputy prime minister.

Andrea Leadsom chaired the working group.