We need strategies to deal with sex pests, but real change is up to the men in Parliament
SIR – Three women (Features, November 2) gave their views on the sexual abuse scandal that has moved from Hollywood to Westminster.
I agree with most of what each says, particularly Suzy Gale, who suggests that hysteria is setting in, which is not helpful, especially for those who have been attacked, harassed or bullied.
Cathy Newman hopes that this time it will be different and we will get the change that is so desperately needed, and Edwina Currie cautions against marginalising the victims of the most serious crimes by putting every sleazy come-on in the same category as rape.
The stability of the Government is at stake here. Westminster has not been the sole preserve of gross behaviour.
What we can aim for is openness, strategies to deal with perpetrators but most of all, a radical rehabilitation of men who think they can treat us as objects for their own gratification, picking us off where they can. It’s up to you, chaps. Rosie Harden-vane
Holywell, Northumberland
SIR – If I can’t trust Westminster politicians with my daughter, why should I trust them with my vote? Hugh Ellwood
Lytham St Annes, Lancashire
SIR – Never mind falling short of the standards expected of the Armed Forces; what about the standards expected of the ordinary electorate? Can we expect a spate of by-elections? Andy Dabson
Liss, Hampshire
SIR – There is a world of difference between Harvey Weinstein’s behaviour to young actresses and the touching of a journalist’s knee. Sleazy behaviour by senior men hoping to “get lucky” with female staff is as old as time and should be treated with contempt and a sharp rebuke.
If this is the degree to which we are “clearing the stables”, I can’t imagine there will be many horses in residence soon. Julia Sharpe
Salisbury, Wiltshire
SIR – Bill Clinton, the US president, did more than touch the knee of the White House intern Monica Lewinsky, but did not feel it necessary to resign. Sonya Porter
Woking, Surrey
SIR – Politicians are constantly being reminded they are out of touch with ordinary people. Expecting them to be infallible will ensure this continues.
What do the media and the public want? One minute Theresa May is being ridiculed for having done nothing naughtier than run through a farmer’s wheat field, the next it’s a minister’s sexual impropriety. Simon Warde
Bognor Regis, West Sussex
SIR – The nation should have been cautioned at the time of the EU referendum that the outcome might be jeopardised by an outbreak of prurience at the most critical stage of the negotiations. RPL Morris-jones
Pailton, Warwickshire
SIR – Maybe it was no bad arrangement to let MPS’ wives work in their offices. Judith M Tanner
Porthcawl, Glamorgan
SIR – Has everyone forgotten the art of flirting? Perhaps a man “showing an interest” by a look is now seen as a direct invitation to sex.
Men used not to behave this badly. It did go on, but a sharp reprimand or kick under the table would take care of most unwanted signals. Gill Maden
Bexhill, East Sussex
SIR – Where does all this put mistletoe? Towyn Jones Carmarthen
SIR – Nearly 40 years ago I confess to making an inappropriate comment to my then PA, for which I apologise. I will never do such a thing again.
She beats me to the Letters page every morning, so will read this first. David Lowe
West Malvern, Worcestershire