Labor MP Chris Bryant accused five unnamed MPs of sexual assault, including a service member who “pushed me against a wall and groped my crotch”.
The Rhondda Labor MP detailed the allegations in his new book, Code of conduct, why we need to fix parliament and how to do it.
Bryant, who chairs the House of Commons rules committee, wrote in the book: “Over the years, five male MPs have uninvitedly touched my butt. One of them, who was not outside, did it repeatedly.
“Another, who is still in the House and still doesn’t accept that he’s gay, pushed me against a wall and groped my crotch.”
“Another rubbed behind me in the voting queue and then was making out with two men in the Strangers’ Bar. I know other gay MPs and staff who have faced the same thing.”
The 61-year-old has called for a review of the system to investigate parliamentarians suspected of misconduct.
It’s not the first time Byrant has spoken about experiencing sexual assault in parliament, having told LBC in 2022: “Older, older, gay MPs, they touched me regularly, they weren’t out.
“I never felt like I could report it because you end up being a part of history, and that’s the last thing you want. And I think a lot of women have been through that.”
Westminster has faced persistent reports of assault and sexual misconduct.
In July, the Rules Committee found former Conservative MP Chris Pincher responsible for “an egregious case of sexual misconduct” following allegations that he groped two men without their consent. He is appealing an eight week suspension.
Boris Johnson’s endorsement of Pincher triggered his eventual downfall.
That same month, Scottish National Party MP Mhairi Black announced that she would resign at the next general election because she is “tired (of the toxic environment in Westminster)”.
Black called Westminster a “poisonous place” adding: “Whether it’s because of what people can get away with, or because of the amount of personal motivations, and people having ulterior motives for things, it’s just not a good place to be.” place to be”.
Under new plans revealed in June, MPs and colleagues accused of violent or sexual offenses could be barred from entering parliament, even if the police have not charged them with any crime.
The Independent Grievance and Complaints Scheme aims to address and investigate misconduct in Parliament and was set up in the aftermath of the ‘Pestminster’ scandal; however, the system has run into security for failing to act on complaints in a timely manner.
The ‘Pestminster’ scandal refers to a series of allegations of sexual assault, intimidation and harassment against high-profile figures in parliament that emerged in October and November 2017.
SentidoG has contacted the Labor Party.
2023-08-09 00:10:31
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