Oral Answers to Questions

Christine Jardine Excerpts

Thursday 12th November 2026 Commons Chamber

[Lisa Nandy]

I was not aware of the incredible Turkish baths in Carlisle, but I am very happy to work with her on ensuring that we support the aims of her campaign and restore the baths to their former glory.

[Christine Jardine (Edinburgh West) (LD)]

I welcome the statements that the Secretary of State has made about addressing the issues that we have seen raised again this week by the conviction of Russell Brand. Having worked in that industry, I know that the problem goes much wider than just the big figures. Bectu says that nine out of 10 workers in the creative sector have experienced or witnessed sexual harassment or assault. Does the Secretary of State agree that, as this action now happens, we need to use the entertainment industry and the creative sector to call out this behaviour across society and to make it clear that it is not acceptable in any form?

[Lisa Nandy]

We work very closely with Bectu and the National Union of Journalists, and I pay tribute to their work on this issue. The Minister for Creative Industries, Media and Online Safety and I recently appointed two freelance champions in recognition of the fact that, for freelancers in particular, there is a real problem in these industries. All of us in this House need to step up and use our voices as loudly as we possibly can; hand on my heart, as the Culture Secretary, I cannot say that this issue is not happening today—in fact, I would wager that it is. It is time that we all stand up, as the hon. Lady has done today, and ensure that we are heard and counted.