Second probe on Commons harassment

A SECOND inquiry into bullying and harassment in Parliament, which will focus on MPs’ staff, will not name perpetrators, investigate individual allegations or reopen past cases.

Gemma White QC has been appointed to hear from MPs’ researchers, interns and staff who have experienced bullying, harassment or sexual misconduct.

It comes after Dame Laura Cox’s inquiry, which looked at staff directly employed by the House of Commons, found a “culture, cascading from the top down, of deference, subservience, acquiescence and silence, in which bullying, harassment and sexual harassment have been able to thrive and have long been tolerated and concealed”.

Commons Speaker John Bercow has resisted calls to quit early after Dame Laura’s report heavily criticised the response of the House’s leadership to the issues.

Ms White’s investigation will turn attention to MPs and their staff without naming anyone involved. Instead it will consider what options are best available for resolving current or historical allegations and the support available to those affected.

All political parties have sent a letter to MPs’ staff, saying: “It is important for the restoration of faith in the way the House and its members treat those working for us that as wide a range as possible of testimony is offered to the Inquiry.

“The parliamentary community must ensure that everyone is treated with dignity and respect and we hope this will help.”