Unions call on Parliament to ‘step up to the plate’ on protecting staff

London sunset skyline Bigben and Thames river

The joint trade unions in Parliament (Prospect/FDA/PCS) have written to the Speaker of the House of Commons, Lindsay Hoyle MP, about wide ranging concerns about the way Parliament is addressing reports that the sitting MP accused of rape would be free to return to Parliament when it returns in September.

Mike Clancy, Prospect general secretary, said:

“It is high time for Parliament to step up to the plate as a 21st Century employer and put in place proper protections for its staff.

“It is outrageous that Parliament seems unwilling or unable to seek to protect its own staff by excluding from the estate MPs accused of misconduct.

“If Parliament does not act on this and continues to permit MPs facing investigation for serious allegations to attend the estate, it risks failing in its duty of care to its own employees.

“In addition, it may undo so much of the good work done in implementing an independent complaints and grievance system and Dame Laura Cox’s recommendations.”