Question

To ask the Senior Deputy Speaker what assessment they have made of the (1) safety, and (2) wellbeing, of (a) members, and (b) members of staff, particularly women, leaving the House of Lords late to travel home on occasions when it sits later than 10pm.

Parliament benefits from a significant layered security and policing presence, and is within the Government Secure Zone which also has a substantial policing footprint strengthened by additional protective and deterrent measures. Personal security advice is available for all Members and staff, and the Director of Security for Parliament is content to meet with any Members who wish to discuss specific concerns. In respect of staff of the Administration, their safety and wellbeing is important and a late night transport policy provides taxis home for those who are required to work beyond 10.40pm. The House Administration keeps issues of staff safety under constant review, engaging with work place equality networks and others to ensure staff concerns are heard.