A damning report into sexual intimidation and harassment at Westminster by esteemed QC Gemma White has unearthed disgusting tales of junior staff members being sexually assaulted as well as having had objects thrown at them.
Many members of staff have indicated they regard the abuse they receive as something they had to put up with in order to climb the career ladder. Ms White said there was a ‘significant problem’ about the way some MPs treated those who worked for them. She said the House of Commons authorities had been too slow to act in response to the myriad of allegations that are made.
Ms White stated in her report:
Most Members of Parliament treat their staff with dignity and respect but the problem of bullying and harassment is sufficiently widespread to require an urgent collective response. ‘Recent steps taken by the
House of Commons to address bullying and harassment across the Parliamentary community do not engage sufficiently with the particular issues faced by members’ staff, who are in a uniquely vulnerable position because they are directly employed by Members of Parliament. Many describe the idea of complaining about bullying and harassment under the new complaints procedure as “career suicide”.
The behaviour described to me ranged from “jokes” regarded by those making them – and in one case the MP to whom the member of staff complained – as acceptable workplace banter, all the way through to conduct which can only be described as very serious sexual assault. Many of the experiences related to me were of unwelcome sexual advances, often accompanied by attempts at kissing.’
Some contributors described members expressing uncontrollable rage, screaming that staff were “f***ing useless” or “f***ing idiots” in front of other staff, other members and/or constituents.’
According to one insider they accepted sexual harrasment was part of the culture but that they are using staffers as near human slaves:
“As long as getting political jobs in Parliament are dependent on who you know and who you’re related to, sexual harassment will be a necessary evil for ambitious young people like me who will choose our careers over our comfort every time.
When the MP requests that the researcher should vacuum clean and dust the member’s flat ahead of a private party, a line has been crossed.”
Loathed by many Speaker of the Commons John Bercow said the reports findings were ‘deeply shocking’ but said he has no power over how MPs treat their staff in his role.
Last year Angus Sinclair, a former private secretary to the Speaker, told BBC2’s Newsnight Mr Bercow had undermined him and swore and shout at him. Mr Bercow has also been accused of bullying another former employee, Kate Emms, but vigorously denies the allegations made against him.
Massive UNN Live Show planned for tonight with a phone in about the imprisonment on Tommy Robinson. Click here and Subscribe and hit the bell for notifications to hear what the real people have to say.
Lead Correspondent | David Clews is the Lead Correspondent for UNN, with over 20 years of political/campaigning experience and a wealth of social media and communication skills David gets to the heart of what is really important to the real people of the UK.
Keep up to date with all of David & UN’s work by linking up with us on our Social Media Channels by Clicking Here Now: https://unitynewsnetwork.co.uk/our-social-media-links/
