Sexual Harassment in Parliament Debate

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Department: Leader of the House

Sexual Harassment in Parliament

Lucy Powell Excerpts
Monday 30th October 2017

(6 years, 6 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Andrea Leadsom Portrait Andrea Leadsom
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Yes. I think that if we can establish a proper grievance procedure, it should be perfectly possible to report observed behaviour, not just personal experience.

Lucy Powell Portrait Lucy Powell (Manchester Central) (Lab/Co-op)
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I welcome your statement, Mr Speaker, and the statements that have been made today. As others have said, this is nothing new. It comes about because of a political culture of preferment, in which people cannot speak about what has happened to them for fear of their career being stifled. To change that political culture requires all of us to show very strong political leadership. I say to the political leaders from all parts of the House that that means taking decisions against colleagues and others, even when that is inconvenient and even when it goes against their own allies or their own supporters. Does the Leader of the House agree that that requires strong leadership?

Andrea Leadsom Portrait Andrea Leadsom
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I absolutely agree with the hon. Lady.