SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford has vowed to “stand full square” behind moves to “clean up” parliament in the wake of claims bullying has been allowed to thrive in the House of Commons.
The Highland MP said there had to be a “zero tolerance” policy and a culture in which people felt confident about coming forward.
He made the comments following the release of High Court Judge Dame Laura Cox’s independent report earlier this week.
It lifted the lid on a toxic environment in Westminster, that included staff having their bottoms and breasts touched in an atmosphere fuelled by ready access to alcohol.
She also found a culture of “deference, subservience, acquiescence and silence” had allowed the mistreatment of staff to continue.
Yesterday the prime minister demanded a “very serious, full response”.
In her weekly appearance at the despatch box, Theresa May added: “There is no place for bullying, sexual harassment or abuse in any workplace and that includes in this parliament.”
Mr Blackford said afterwards: “I have made it clear, reflecting what the first minister has done in Scotland, that this is something that there has to be zero tolerance of.
“We have to clean up our act and I think that it’s important in parliament that we give a lead on this to society.
“I really will stand full square behind making sure that we get this right.
“People have got to be able to be confident that they can come forward and that they will be treated in the correct manner.”
In the report, Dame Laura said it was “difficult to envisage” how the reforms needed could be delivered under the current senior House administration.
Commons Speaker John Bercow, who strongly denies allegations he bullied officials, has faced calls to quit.
