A senior UK Government minister has apologised to those who have come forward amid the Commons harassment scandal, vowing not to stop until she rids Westminster of its “dark side”.
Leader of the House Andrea Leadsom said there was “no place” for abuse in parliament, adding: “That applies to everyone without exception”.
And she insisted the Commons had fallen “woefully short in supporting and protecting its staff”.
Her comments came during a debate on Dame Laura Cox’s report, which lifted the lid on a toxic environment.
Mrs Leadsom said independent HR support for MPs’ staff had now been set up and that work was underway to develop better training on managing staff appropriately.
She told MPs: “The fact that some of those in positions of power or authority have bullied, intimidated and harassed those who work alongside them and perpetuated a culture where that behaviour is not only tolerated but it comes to be expected by members of staff as the norm is outrageous.”
To those who have spoken of their experiences, the Tory frontbencher added: “Thank you for your courage in speaking out.
“I’m absolutely determined to make your working lives as fulfilling and dignified as they unquestioningly should be.
“I’m so sorry to hear of your experiences. You should never have been treated so unjustly.”
Stressing her commitment to dealing with the problem, she called parliament an “amazing place to work”, but alluded to its “dark side”.
SNP MP Alison Thewliss said she had no doubt the “engrained masculine culture” at Westminster was a “key factor”.
