MPS in harassment scandal ‘only have to go on a course’

A REVIEW into sexual harassment in Westminster has been criticised amid concerns that MPS will only be required to apologise to their victims or go on a training course.

A cross-party group set up by Theresa May says that while there should be a “range of sanctions”, introducing them will be a “long-term project” that is likely to require legislation.

It follows a string of allegations which led to the departure of two Cabinet ministers, while several Tory and Labour MPS are still under investigation. Sarah Green, the co-director of the End Violence Against Women Coalition, told Sky News: “It’s kicking a lot of the details into the long grass.

“After a couple of months now of really serious allegations in Westminster and beyond, it’s still saying we need to take months longer to decide exactly what the process should be.” A leaked draft of the findings of the cross-party group, which is chaired by Andrea Leadsom, the Leader of the House, says that the group “believes that a change in workplace culture is both urgent and essential”. However, it concedes that this is a “long-term project beyond the working group’s terms of reference”. The group is likely to recommend bolstering the role of Kathryn Stone, the Commissioner for Standards, and giving her the power to implement tougher standards.

However, such a move is likely to require legislation and it could be difficult to achieve a cross-party consensus.

A source familiar with the proceedings told Sky News: “We need a system that is clearly independent and has teeth, and we haven’t got either of those things. It feels like delaying until this blows over.” Proposals include an online learning module for politicians to ensure “better understanding of bullying and harassment” and a human resources service for Parliament.