Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Tom Brake and Thangam Debbonaire

Thursday 9th May 2019 Commons Chamber

[Tom Brake]

The hon. Gentleman makes a valid point. I can reassure him that the House of Commons Commission is considering these important recommendations at every meeting, but we have not made the progress that we should have done. These are complex issues, and we hope that the working group will be established soon, to process how to deal with complaints against MPs independently of Members of Parliament.

[Thangam Debbonaire (Bristol West) (Lab)]

I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman for that response, but I want to push him a bit further. Underlying attitudes—sometimes misogynistic or deeply sexist attitudes—are frequently behind sexual harassment. What plans does the Commission have to implement training or awareness raising that targets people who are unlikely to take it up if they are not required to do so?

[Tom Brake]

The hon. Lady makes a valid point. She may be aware that training is being made available to staff, and I understand that a trial will be made available for Members. Although the Commission and I are not in a position to require Members of Parliament to attend those sessions, I think it is essential that they do so.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Tom Brake and Thangam Debbonaire

Thursday 29th November 2018 Commons Chamber

[Tom Brake]

The hon. Gentleman’s love of Weetabix is now on the record.

[Thangam Debbonaire (Bristol West) (Lab)]

I am sure that other cereals are available. I commend the moves of the catering outlets and events teams to increasing UK-produced food and drink, but will the right hon. Gentleman recommend to the Commission an increase in the amount of UK-produced healthy food, especially after the success of Vegan November?

[Tom Brake]

I will certainly pursue that suggestion to ensure that the food here is not only British, but healthy as well.