Jacob Rees-Mogg loses vote on debating Westminster bullying claims
Critics said proposal would undermine new independent panel and ‘re-victimise’ victims
MPs last night voted down a proposal introduced by Leader of the Commons Jacob Rees-Mogg to allow the House to debate complaints of bullying and harassment brought against them.
An amendment tabled by Labour MP Chris Bryant ruling out debates on sanctions made by a new independent panel set up to deal with such allegations passed by 243 to 238 - “to the delight of parliamentary staffers and campaigners”, says The Guardian.
In an open letter seen by the newspaper, past and present parliamentary staff, union leaders, MPs and women’s groups had accused Rees-Mogg of undermining the new independent system.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The eight-member panel replaces the committee of MPs that currently decides on disciplinary action against their peers, and has the power to “impose sanctions including suspensions and exclusions of MPs in serious cases”, the BBC reports.
Although MPs were given a free vote on the Bryant amendment, Tory whips had told their MPs that the chief whip would be voting against it, in a move that The Time’s political reporter Esther Webber claims left Tory staffers “furious”.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news agenda - try The Week magazine. Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Despite the intervention, the amendment won cross-party support, with new Tory MP and former employment law barrister Laura Farris arguing that a disciplinary process that “invites members to speak up for colleagues against a background of party allegiance and personal loyalties is fundamentally problematic”.
Labour MP Meg Hillier warned that the Commons could be used as a “bully pulpit” if public debates went ahead, with complainants potentially being named under parliamentary privilege.
That fear was echoed by Tory MP and former leader of the House Andrea Leadsom, who said that allowing complaints to be debated would “result in a complainant feeling re-victimised”. And Labour’s Jess Phillips warned that “allowing debates would stop victims from coming forward”.
The vote result was described as a “historic moment” by Amy Leversidge, assistant general secretary of the FDA Union.
“It is an astounding achievement for all the brave women and men who spoke out publicly to try and make Parliament a better place to work,” she said.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Saint Paul de Vence: a paradise for art lovers
The Week Recommends The hilltop gem in the French Riviera where 20th century modernism flourished
By Alexandra Zagalsky Published
-
'People in general want workers to earn a decent living'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
What might a Trump victory mean for the global economy?
Today's Big Question A second term in office for the 'America First' administration would send shockwaves far beyond the United States' shores
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
What is the next Tory leader up against?
Today's Big Question Kemi Badenoch or Robert Jenrick will have to unify warring factions and win back disillusioned voters – without alienating the centre ground
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Is Labour risking the 'special relationship'?
Today's Big Question Keir Starmer forced to deny Donald Trump's formal complaint that Labour staffers are 'interfering' to help Harris campaign
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
What is Lammy hoping to achieve in China?
Today's Big Question Foreign secretary heads to Beijing as Labour seeks cooperation on global challenges and courts opportunities for trade and investment
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
'McMahon finally seems to be paying a small price for his transgressions'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Men in Gray suits: why the plots against Starmer's top adviser?
Today's Big Question Increasingly damaging leaks about Sue Gray reflect 'bitter acrimony' over her role and power struggle in new government
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Who will replace Rishi Sunak as the next Tory leader?
In Depth Shortlist will be whittled down to two later today
By The Week UK Last updated
-
Is Britain about to 'boil over'?
Today's Big Question A message shared across far-right groups listed more than 30 potential targets for violence in the UK today
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
UK's Starmer slams 'far-right thuggery' at riots
Speed Read The anti-immigrant violence was spurred by false rumors that the suspect in the Southport knife attack was an immigrant
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published