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Independent Expert Panel
25 November 2020
Lead MP
Jacob Rees-Mogg
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
No tags
Other Contributors: 8
At a Glance
Jacob Rees-Mogg raised concerns about independent expert panel in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Moves the motion for the appointment of independent expert panel members, emphasising the importance of an independent and impartial process to address bullying, harassment or sexual misconduct in Parliament. Acknowledges progress made since 2018 but emphasises that more work remains.
John Spellar
Lab
Warley
Questions the payment details and eligibility criteria for panel members, expressing concern about potential conflicts of interest.
Eddie Hughes
Lab
Wrexham
Asks if Jacob Rees-Mogg would apply for the position.
John Spellar
Lab
Warley
Argues that panel members should have a broader range of experience, including non-legal expertise from industry or trade unions.
Bernard Jenkin
Con
Harwich and North Essex
Supports the appointment of an ex-High Court judge as chair, emphasising the need for authority and independence in the panel's work.
Kevan Jones
Lab
North Durham
Questions why individuals from HR backgrounds or other sectors are not represented on the panel.
Valerie Vaz
Lab
Walsall and Bloxwich
Thanked the Leader of the House for moving the motion, agreed with the majority of his remarks, drew attention to a report published on 19 November 2020 by the House of Commons Commission. Noted that the issue raised by Andrea Leadsom was a policy matter rather than judicial and thus not within the panel's jurisdiction. Mentioned Alison Stanley's six-month review and its importance for governance clarity and transparency. Emphasised the necessity of fair procedure for both claimant and respondent in grievance cases, highlighting the critical role of online surveys to gather public opinion until 4 December. Acknowledged the implementation of Valuing Others training and unconscious bias training, expressing satisfaction that these measures are being taken up by House staff.
Bernard Jenkin
Con
Harwich and North Essex
As a member of the Standards Committee with no role in this debate, expressed disquiet over the matter being removed from their jurisdiction. Acknowledged that MPs lack faith in self-regulation due to past grievances being stifled and ignored. Supported the creation of an independent panel for ICGS cases, noting its juridical expertise as a significant improvement. Indicated intent to review House code of conduct based on lessons learned from this more professional approach.
Welcomed and cooperated with the development and implementation of the ICGS process, paying tribute to former Leader of the House Andrea Leadsom and Perth and North Perthshire's Pete Wishart. Noted a distinguished panel of candidates for approval from across UK nations. Questioned if candidates were informed about yesterday’s unannounced withdrawal of motion. Emphasised the importance of proper investigation into bullying and harassment, stressing that the training programmes (Valuing Others and unconscious bias) are incredibly valuable.
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About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.