British MPs could be expelled over sexual harassment in new proposals after a survey found one in five parliamentary workers had experienced or witnessed such behaviour in the past year
ADVERTISEMENTParliament became one of several institutions to become embroiled in a sexual harassment scandal last year leading to two ministers losing their posts, while others in various political parties were investigated over allegations of inappropriate behaviour, prompting calls for an end to "locker room" culture.
The leader of the House of Commons lower house, Andrea Leadsom hailed the moves as a big day for British politics and that it is a major step in bringing about the culture change that parliament needs.
Perhaps surprisingly, there is currently no mechanism to remove or hold MPs to account over these types of indiscretions in the UK. A cross-party committee has suggested that MPs should be asked to attend training courses on appropriate behaviour, and in more serious cases, face a public vote on whether they keep their jobs.