MP claims of harassment ‘dismissed’

NEWCASTLE MP Chi Onwurah reported allegations of harassment by MPs in a House of Commons bar – only to be told it “happens in pubs all over the country”.

She revealed that a number of researchers had been made to feel “deeply uncomfortable” by MPs in the Sports and Social club, a bar in the House of Commons.

But when she reported her concerns to Parliamentary officials, they were dismissed.

Ms Onwurah (pictured above) revealed the incident as Commons speaker John Bercow along with Prime Minister Theresa May and opposition parties agreed urgent action is needed to protect those who work at Westminster.

Mrs May has proposed a new “contractually binding grievance procedure” allowing people to take action if they are treated badly.

There have been a series of allegations made about abuse or harassment at Westminster, including:

Brexit Minister MP Mark Garnier admitted calling his former secretary “sugar tits” and asking her to buy sex toys;

Former Cabinet Minister Stephen Crabb apologised for sending sexually explicit texts to a 19-year-old woman after he interviewed her for a job;

MPs including Cabinet Ministers were named as sex-pests to avoid by female staff in a WhatsApp group, the Sun revealed.

Ms Onwurah welcomed measures to eradicate harassment in Parliament, but added: “When I complained recently to an officer of Parliament who had some responsibility in this area that I knew a number of researchers – male and female – who had been made to feel deeply uncomfortable in the Sports and Social club here by Members of Parliament, I was told that happens in pubs all over the country.

“Would the Leader of the House confirm that the duty of care we owe extends 24/7 and to every restaurant and bar in this place?”