Commons backs recommendations in damning report on bullying
The House of Commons Commission has backed the recommendations in a damning report which laid bare how a toxic culture in Parliament allowed bullying and harassment to thrive.
The recommendations in Dame Laura Cox’s report include scrapping current complaints policies, allowing historic allegations of bullying to be investigated, and preventing MPs from deciding on cases involving fellow politicians.
Speaker John Bercow said the decision to accept the recommendations of the Cox report is a “first step on the root and branch reform of the culture of this House”, while the commission acknowledged the problem raises questions about the “leadership” of the Commons.
The commission, made up of senior MPs including Mr Bercow, officials and independent external members, said: “Bullying and harassment have no place in the House of Commons, or in any area of public life.
“The persistence of this problem has rightly called into question the culture and leadership of the House of Commons.
“We acknowledge that we have a proactive role to play in improving the culture of the House Service, and therefore are resolved to ensure that Dame Laura Cox’s report marks the moment where we commit to swift and lasting change.”
Mr Bercow said: “I’m delighted that every member of the commission has decided to support fully the three main recommendations from Dame Laura Cox’s report, which I believe are an important first step in our root and branch reform of the culture of this House.
“We are very grateful for the testimonies of our colleagues, and also for the many representations we have received from trade unions and workplace equality groups, to past and present members of staff. We value their advice and we look forward to working with all parties to help us form our future policies.
“Specifically, I am very keen to see the establishment of an independent body to hear and adjudicate on all allegations of bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct as soon as possible.”
