Westminster to Tackle Sexual Harassment

A survey conducted by a cross-party working group has revealed that one in five of workers in Westminster have either experienced sexual harassment or inappropriate behaviour or witnessed it happen to others.
The results highlight that the situation has got out of hand and there is an urgent need to address the issue. The report in which the results of the survey were included also presented a series of recommendations that could go a long way in ending the problem.
MPs will be working on a code of conduct to address what behaviours are unacceptable and what is to happen to those who break the code. Some of the proposals include suspension from Parliament or the possibility of putting in motion a process in which constituents can have the MP sacked.
Almost as important is the need to set up a complaints procedures by which victims or witnesses can report cases of sexual harassment, inappropriate behaviour or bullying. One of the proposals is to set up a helpline.
“This is a big day for parliament and our politics. The new independent procedure will demonstrate that we want to be the best parliament in the world when it comes to treating everyone who works here with dignity and respect”, said Andrea Leadsom, leader of the House of Commons and head of the working group. “This is a major step in bringing about the culture change that parliament needs”.
Having a specialist adviser to mediate in such cases is key for Labour. “Although we would like this to have been put in place sooner, we are pleased it is included in the report and hope it will be implemented as quickly as possible”, said Valerie Vaz, shadow leader of the Commons.
“Labour will be advocating that relevant bodies do their utmost to ensure the group’s recommendations are put into place as a matter of urgency”.
> Naomi Round