Win for unions as report recommends excluding MPs from parliament when accused of serious offences

The House of Commons Commission has published a report into the potential for excluding from the parliamentary estate, MPs accused of serious offences such as rape or other violent crimes.

The report, whose recommendations are to be voted on by MPs, proposes having a risk assessment on exclusion, for any MP accused of serious crimes. This could be triggered at any point in the investigative process and is not limited to arrest of charge.

Mike Clancy, General Secretary of Prospect, said:

“These proposals would be an important step in protecting staff in Parliament and bringing the Palace of Westminster’s working practices into the 21st Century.

“Prospect has long been calling for MPs accused of sexual or violent misconduct to be excluded from the parliamentary estate and these proposals allow for that to happen at any point in the criminal justice process.

“MPs must approve these proposals next week to protect staff and restore confidence in a system which has been badly damaged in recent years.”