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.
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