As allegations of sexual misconduct in Parliament rise and a spreadsheet of suspected sex pest MPs does the rounds, today the government attempted to take control of the situation. In a statement to the House, Andrea Leadsom promised to get a grip on the issue – as she said Parliament ‘must take action in days not weeks’.
What these actions should be and who should take them remains a matter for discussion. When the issue came to the Chamber today through an urgent question from Harriet Harman, it proved a political hot potato.
John Bercow addressed the House to say there must be ‘zero tolerance’ of sexual harassment in Parliament – before saying it was up to the parties to make sure they have ‘credible’ staff grievance procedures. This appeared to be a rebuke to Theresa May’s suggestion that it was a matter for the House.
Leadsom spent much of her time talking about the need for action – saying MPs must ‘put their house in order’ quickly because everyone ‘had to a right to feel at ease’ working in Parliament. As part of this, she set out plans for a revamped support system to deal with allegations of misconduct – but insisted it was a matter for Parliament as a whole rather than the government alone:
‘It is for parliament to come together to resolve this, but the government believes there should be some guiding principles:
First, as in any other workplace, everyone in parliament should have the right to feel at ease as they go about their work.
Second, whilst we have had a confidential helpline in place for several years, it must now be strengthened as a dedicated support team, made more accessible, given more resources, and its role and responsibilities highlighted to all who work here.
Third, the support team should have the ability to recommend onward referral of a case – to ensure appropriate investigation takes place.
Fourth, the support team should recommend specialised pastoral support for anyone who is experiencing distress as a consequence of their treatment in the workplace.
Fifth, the support team should recommend reporting any allegations, which may be criminal, directly to the police.
Sixth, and in addition, there may be further action which government and political parties themselves can take to ensure high standards of conduct and that inappropriate behaviour is properly dealt with.’
In turn, several MPs raised concerns that this alone would not be enough. Labour’s Stella Creasy says MPs must tackle a culture of misogyny and Jess Phillips suggested not everyone was taking the matter seriously – saying she heard two male MPs complain this was a ‘witch hunt’ as she was coming into the chamber. Meanwhile, Esther McVey was keen to press that this isn’t just a Conservative problem. She asked Leadsom if MPs calling for female MPs to be lynched counted as offensive behaviour – in reference to a ‘joke’ John McDonnell once made about her.
Although the general consensus is that the steps announced are in the right direction, there’s a feeling that more action is required – and that this action must be taken by May specifically. Leadsom confirmed the Cabinet Office was investigating allegations about whether individuals had broken the ministerial code. Once these investigations have been completed, the Prime Minister will be under pressure to lead by example and sack anyone found to have breached the code.
Conservative MPs in Parliament today were anxious that if the government does not get on top of this scandal quickly, it could lead to permanent damage. But there is still disagreement on how it should be handled. One thing that made it easier for leaders’ to get a grip on the expenses scandal is that all the information was there to hand. Unearthing allegations of harassment is much more complicated.
MPs have been resistant about a centralised procedure or code of conduct in the past as they fear it would be used by the whips for political advantage. Today’s announcement from Leadsom is a sign that such concerns will no longer take priority. However, her words will still have done little to ease worries in the party that the government is yet to take the lead in dealing with the unfolding events.
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