MPs implicated in sex offences to face expulsion from Parliament
The decision is aimed at ensuring that standard safeguarding practices are maintained in the House of Commons, as recommended by MPs.
Members of Parliament have supported a proposal to prevent MPs from attending Parliament if they are arrested for serious sexual and violent offenses.
During a House of Commons vote on Monday, efforts to dilute the measures outlined in the risk-based exclusion policy were overturned. Previously, the policy aimed to bar MPs at the point of charge rather than arrest.
Last year, the House of Commons Commission established a framework to address significant allegations of violent or sexual offenses involving senior officials. Subsequently, the government introduced a revised plan with the threshold set at the point of charge.
However, MPs voted 170 to 169 in favor of the proposal put forth by Liberal Democrat Wendy Chamberlain to revert to the threshold of arrest.
Ms. Chamberlain emphasized the need for the House’s practices to align with those in other workplaces. She pointed out that while the House does not employ MPs, it is the employer of staff members who should be legally safeguarded against harassment.
Regarding the vote, former police officer Ms. Chamberlain stated that the focus was on “safeguarding, not the guilt or innocence of those accused.”
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Mike Clancy, general secretary of trade union Prospect, praised the decision, calling it an “important and long-overdue victory for common sense.”
“This should mark the end of MPs arrested for sexual or violent offenses – and those sharing a workplace with them – receiving different treatment from everyone else in the country,” Mr. Clancy stated in a release.
Inadequate Safeguarding
Advocates and politicians have been advocating for the banning of MPs arrested for sexual or violent offenses from the parliamentary premises. During the discussion, Ms. Chamberlain and Labour MP Stella Creasy referenced the case of Wayne Couzens, an off-duty police officer who abducted, raped, and murdered Sarah Everard in 2021.
“Following the case of Wayne Couzens, we agreed that anybody from the police accused of serious misconduct should be removed from the parliamentary estate—that is accused, not even arrested. How do we square the circle that what we think is appropriate for the police is not appropriate for ourselves?” Ms. Creasy asked.
The Angiolini Inquiry on the Couzens case concluded that opportunities to prevent the tragedy were repeatedly overlooked and missed.
Labour MP Jess Phillips warned that inadequate safeguarding practices deter young women and men from pursuing careers in politics.
“There is this idea that we are superior beings who should not have to be concerned about safeguarding laws that are totally standard practice across the whole of the country,” she noted.
Conservative MPs Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg and Sir Michael Ellis raised concerns about the constitutional and legal implications of excluding MPs upon arrest.
Lawmakers were urged to either find time or enact legislation to establish the policy “properly,” according to Sir Jacob.
“There is a key principle here, there’s a golden thread that runs through our system that a person must not suffer imposition before guilt has been proven. And it is offensive against the laws of natural justice, and in fact contrary to human rights to do so,” Sir Michael informed MPs.
As per existing rules, officials cannot forcibly remove MPs from the parliamentary premises. Any arrangements for MPs to stay away are voluntary. Incidents have emerged in the last two years where MPs accused of rape have been asked to refrain from entering Parliament.
In October 2023, Crispin Blunt had the Conservative Party whip withdrawn following his arrest in connection with a rape allegation. He was instructed to stay away from Westminster and now serves as an independent MP.
In 2022, another unidentified MP was also requested to abstain from entering Parliament due to rape allegations.
