Prospect warns against watering down protections for parliamentary workers

Prospect union is calling for MPs to stand firm and not water down proposals for the risk-based exclusion of MPs from Parliament when they come to a vote on Monday (4 March).

There will be a debate on the proposals which will bring in provisions to allow Parliament to bar MPs from attending the parliamentary estate if the police inform the Clerk of the House that a Member is subject to serious allegations relating to a violent or sexual offence. Backbench MPs have tabled amendments which would significantly weaken the proposals.

Mike Clancy, General Secretary of Prospect, said:

“It has taken a long time and a shocking number of very serious allegations against MPs – and convictions – for authorities to finally take notice of unions’ campaign on exclusion.

“In any other workplace, someone under investigation for a violent or sexual offence would be barred from the office, to protect both colleagues and the accused. There are some elected representatives who think MPs should not be subject to the same rules as everyone else in the country. These people are dinosaurs.

“It is essential that any MP who cares about Parliament as a fair and safe workplace votes these proposals through in their entity. Watering them down would be a betrayal of parliamentary staff who work tirelessly to keep our democracy functioning.”