Sexual Harassment in Parliament Debate

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Department: Leader of the House

Sexual Harassment in Parliament

Liz Saville Roberts Excerpts
Monday 30th October 2017

(6 years, 5 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Andrea Leadsom Portrait Andrea Leadsom
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My hon. Friend raises a really important and thoughtful point. Very often, Members have not had experience of employing staff before coming to this place, and they themselves need some guidance. That could be a very useful contribution as a result of this experience.

Liz Saville Roberts Portrait Liz Saville Roberts (Dwyfor Meirionnydd) (PC)
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A worker employed as staff of a Member told me today that she reported being sexually assaulted to the proper authorities earlier this year, who did nothing. She is deeply disappointed and distrustful, and she tells me that distrust is endemic. How can I assure her that her complaint would now be treated differently?

Andrea Leadsom Portrait Andrea Leadsom
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I can say to the hon. Lady that if the member of staff would like to talk to me about it, I will certainly take up her complaint personally.