Business of the House

Mark Jenkinson Excerpts

Thursday 10th March 2022 Commons Chamber

[Mark Spencer]

I am delighted to join my hon. Friend in congratulating President Yoon. We have great friends in South Korea. The importance of a democratic society has never been more apparent to the House than at this current moment in history. Our friends in South Korea are an important part of democratic society and I congratulate President Yoon on his success.

[Mark Jenkinson (Workington) (Con)]

The issues raised in the independent report on the behaviour of the former Speaker that was published earlier this week risk dragging the reputation of this House into the mud. The continued support of some Members on the Opposition Benches is a source of shame—

[John Spellar (Warley) (Lab)]

He was a Tory MP.

[Mr Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford) (Con)]

You could have fooled me!

[Mark Jenkinson]

It is important that the House sends a message to my constituents in Workington and to everyone throughout the country that it will not tolerate bullying and misogyny like that again. I echo the calls for a debate in Government time or, indeed, a statement from the Leader of the House on those matters.

[Mark Spencer]

My hon. Friend is one of several colleagues who have called for such a debate; I encourage him to link up with the others to secure such a debate. We should have pride and confidence in the system we have in place. Those who commit harassment or bullying will be held to account and those who have been victims should have the confidence that the system is in place to hold people to account.