MPs divide over safeguarding rules

Last night, Parliament voted narrowly for a new set of rules regarding when MPs would be prevented from accessing the Parliamentary estate.

In a vote that was on a knife-edge, it was agreed that any MP who is accused of a serious crime - including physical or sexual assault - should be barred from attending Parliament at the point of arrest.

This was passed by just a single vote, with 170 MPs supporting the new rule and 169 instead arguing that this exclusion should only happen in instances when an MP is formally charged.

Liberal Democrat MP for Tiverton & Honiton Richard Foord supported these restrictions kicking-in from the moment of arrest, arguing this brings Parliament into line with how other workplaces handle situations like this.

East Devon’s Conservative MP Simon Jupp was not present for the vote. The two sitting MPs are set to go head-to-head for the new Honiton & Sidmouth constituency at the next election.

Richard Foord MP said:

“Ever since I was first sent by the people of Mid and East Devon to Parliament, it’s struck me how the institution continues to lag behind when it comes to workplace norms. I have a deep respect for the customs and traditions of Parliament, but this is about something entirely different.

“Last night’s vote was an important step forward. It will ensure that MPs who are subject to Police investigations sufficiently serious to lead to arrest cannot attend Parliament while the issue is investigated by the Police.

“This change brings us into line with almost every other workplace, ensuring that MPs’ staff feel safe. It should not be an issue for such a prestigious institution as Parliament, but the reverence with which Parliament is held has proved recently to be misplaced in relation to some rogue MPs.

“It was disappointing to see so many Conservative MPs oppose this move, arguing that MPs should be held to a different standard. We are elected to represent people, but that does not put us above workplace norms of behaviour. The public should be able to demand better of their MPs.

“I’m proud that it is the Liberal Democrats who have been leading the charge against sleaze, and to clean-up Parliament. It was our amendment that secured this important change and I’m glad that my single vote was able to make such a change possible.

“This shows why people need to think very carefully about who is best placed to be their voice at Westminster and the significance of the next election for people in the new Honiton & Sidmouth constituency”