‘Over one third of Westminster staff sexually abused’

Over one third of staff at Britain’s houses of parliament have been sexually harassed at work, according to an investigation.

The investigation by Channel 4 News programme, which interviewed 70 people from all political parties, revealed on Thursday that two in five young male workers at the Palace of Westminster have been subject to unwanted sexual advances.

The probe, named the “Palace of Sexminster,” also shows one in four staff witnessed or was told of someone else being sexually harassed.

Fewer than half of the 70 people said they had no first-hand or second-hand knowledge of such behaviour.

Meanwhile, no one was prepared to talk on camera for fear of ruining their political career.

In reaction to the study, British co-ruling Conservative party said that they are implementing a new code of conduct and a grievance procedure for MPs and their office staff.

It acts as a “basic statement of what should be best practice in the workplace for Conservative Members and their staff,” a spokesperson for the party said.

The Speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow has also set up a helpline for staff of MPs from all parties.

The revelations come amid unfolding stories of sexual and financial scandals hitting British lawmakers.

Westminster’s sexual harassment culture came under intense scrutiny last year after it was revealed that senior Liberal Democrat peer Lord Rennard had exploited his former position as chief executive to abuse women.

Commons Deputy Speaker Nigel Evans also resigned last year after being charged with a string of offences including rape, sexual assault and indecent assault between 2002 and 2013 in London and Lancashire.