Speaker told not to allow rape-accused MP to return

SIR LINDSAY HOYLE has been warned that Parliament risks “failing in its duty of care” to staff if the Tory MP accused of rape is allowed to return after recess.

Representatives of the Prospect trade union have met the Commons Speaker to discuss the matter but claim the talks reached “nowhere near close” to addressing the concerns.

In a letter sent ahead of the meeting, Ken Gall, the Trade Union Side president, said reports that the MP in question had voluntarily agreed not to attend Parliament were “wholly unsatisfactory”. Taking no further action would be “allowing Parliament to avoid taking responsibility for its own duty towards its employees”, he added.

The union has called on Sir Lindsay to temporarily revoke the MP’S parliamentary pass, but it is understood that the Speaker does not have the legal authority to do so. Sir Lindsay has also personally sought assurances from the former minister that he will not return to the House of Commons during bail.

However, in a letter sent to the Speaker and the House of Commons Commission, seen by The House magazine, Mr Gall warned that failing to ban the former minister from Parliament “may undo so much of the good work done” in tackling bullying and harassment in Westminster. He said that to suspend the MP would be a “neutral act” to protect staff rather than serve as a punishment or indication of guilt.

A spokesman for the Speaker said: “The Speaker cannot comment on individual cases or allegations. Sexual harassment has no place in the House of Commons. We take the safety of our staff seriously and are ensuring that any necessary measures are taken.

“Members of Parliament are elected to represent constituencies. The Speaker and the House of Commons Commission have no power to suspend an MP. A member can only be suspended via a Resolution of the House.”

The Tory MP’S bail has been extended to November. The complainant, a former parliamentary aide, reported four incidents, alleged to have taken place between July 2019 and January 2020, in Westminster, Lambeth and Hackney. She alleges the MP assaulted her and forced her to have sex.

Mike Clancy, Prospect general secretary, said: “The agreement that the MP shouldn’t come into Westminster … is no replacement for a policy.”