Westminster needs an independent support team able to deal with allegations of sexual harassment or abuse against people working in the Houses of Parliament, a Cabinet minister has said.
Leader of the Commons Andrea Leadsom told MPs the current system for dealing with complaints is “inadequate” and that failure to respond properly risks bringing Westminster into disrepute.
Speaking in the Commons chamber with Prime Minister Theresa May by her side, Ms Leadsom said there was a vital need for better support and protection for thousands of people working in the Palace and that action was needed “in days rather than weeks”.
Ms Leadsom was speaking in response to an urgent question from Labour MP Harriet Harman following a rash of media reports about alleged misconduct by MPs, including international trade minister Mark Garnier, who is the subject of an internal inquiry by the Cabinet Office.
Ms Leadsom said: “As MPs, our constituents will be rightly appalled at the thought that some representatives in Parliament may have acted in an entirely inappropriate way towards others.
“These reports risk bringing all of our offices into disrepute.”
House of Commons Speaker John Bercow also called for change at Westminster amid what he called “disturbing” allegations about a “culture of sexual harassment”.
Mr Bercow said Mrs May’s call for a Commons-wide mediation service and contractually-binding grievance procedure for MPs and staff should be considered.
But in a statement to MPs he stressed: “In the first instance I hope that parties will live up to their responsibilities, demonstrating both an appetite for change and a practical means of delivering that change without delay.
“Make no mistake, there is a need for change.”