FM leads action calls after backbencher finally quits
The First Minister yesterday led calls for a sea change in attitudes to sexism and misogyny after an MP resigned for watching pornography in the House of Commons.
Nicola Sturgeon said it was a “societal problem” which has to change as women politicians of all parties demanded change after Neil Parish, a senior Tory backbencher, stood down after admitting watching pornography on his phone in the Commons chamber and in a committee meeting.
The First Minister said: “So this is a moment I think to really say ‘enough is enough’. Not all men are misogynists, but all women do experience misogyny.
“And misogyny is by and large about male behaviour. So men have to change, and I hope this is a moment where they really think about that carefully and seriously.”
Parish resigned as an MP after admitting to twice watching pornography in parliament, saying he first accidentally viewed it after looking at tractors online before then returning to the site in a “moment of madness.”
The scandal comes just days after an anonymous Tory MP accused Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner of crossing and uncrossing her legs in parliament in order to distract Boris Johnson. Meanwhile, 56 MPS are reportedly under investigation in relation to around 70 sexual misconduct allegations.
The scandal prompted a number o f wo m e n politicians to demand a dramatic change in culture and attitudes and recounted their experience of sexism and misogyny at Westminster. Anum Qaisar, SNP MP for Airdrie and Shotts, revealed that after arriving at the Commons in May 2021, she has been repeatedly told be wary of certain male MPS.
She said: “How many more stories do we have to hear about Westminster being unsafe for women? Since my election, I have had people from different political parties, staffers and journalists warn me about certain men in parliament. It seems there is an open secret of ‘stay away from this person or that person’.
“Being an elected representative is a huge honour. It is such a shame that some are using their status inappropriately. Democracy deserves better.”
The MP added: “The behaviour highlighted in parliament this week is not unique. The sad fact is it is the norm in Westminster.
“But it is not just for women to challenge. It has to be the responsibility of men too. They have to stand up and be our allies.”
Her concern was echoed by Christine Jardine, Lib Dem MP for Edinburgh
West, said: “We need a culture change throughout politics. What we are seeing at Westminster is completely unacceptable and we should expect a higher standard of behaviour from our elected representatives.”
SNP East Kilbride MP Dr Lisa Cameron said: “It’s all about misogyny and power.
“And when that is mixed with being away from home and your family is replaced by spending time at the bar, it can lead, as we have seen, to a culture of alcohol, sexual harassment and undesirable behaviour.
“I’ve personally experienced a male MP touching my leg.
“It happened three and a half years ago. While it was an uncomfortable experience, I simply moved away and did not report it as I chose to give him the benefit of the doubt.
“However, I do believe that inappropriate behaviour should be properly investigated and dealt with, and the culture at Westminster absolutely needs to change.”