The leader of Britain’s House of Commons said on Monday there should be “zero tolerance” for inappropriate behavior in Parliament. As lawmakers debate a response to reports in United Kingdom that dozens of members may be guilty of sexual harassment.
Andrea Leadsom inform the chamber there was no place for harassment or misconduct in politics. She outline steps to repair a grievance system that she described as “inadequate”.
“Our constituents will be rightly appall 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.”
Britain’s political establishment has come under increasing scrutiny. As the scandal surrounding Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein emboldens people in many industries to speak up about sexual harassment at the hands of powerful individuals. Who control their future job prospects. In the House of Commons, lawmakers employ their staff, leaving little direct recourse for those who feel aggrieve.
May Statement
Though May ask the Cabinet Office to investigate. However International Trade Minister Mark Garnier breach the ministerial code of conduct by asking his secretary to buy sex toys for him. Environment Secretary Michael Gove also force to apologize for attempting to make light of the Weinstein scandal during a radio interview.
The Guido Fawkes political website on Monday claim that Conservative Party aides comply a spreadsheet identifying 36 party lawmakers. It including two serving Cabinet members accuse of inappropriate behavior. The website black out the names of the accuse. But list allegations such as “handy with women at parties” and “paid a woman to be quiet”.
However May write to House of Commons speaker John Bercow proposing a mediation service. And contractually binding grievance procedures for all parliamentary staff. She saying the current voluntary system “does not require teeth”.