Parliament has a “terrible reputation” for “predatory behaviour” which is as dangerous as “Jimmy Savile having the keys to Broadmoor”, a Labour MP has warned. Debating tackling violence against women and girls on Thursday, Jo White called for disclosure and barring service (DBS) checks before members of the Commons and Lords take their seats.
DBS criminal record checks are required for certain jobs or voluntary roles, including those that involve working with children. Commons Leader Lucy Powell had earlier said a balance needs to be struck to ensure politicians are able to represent their constituents “freely and openly”.
Ms White told the Commons: “This place has gained a terrible reputation over time, not just in recent years, for predatory behaviour by those who have manipulated and used the exalted power of our elected positions to groom, to inappropriately touch, to sexually assault and rape many women and young men who have worked here.
“We are all aware of the scandals and some of us will be conscious of the cover-ups. “I very much liken it to the influence that Jimmy Savile was able to weald when he got the keys to Broadmoor (Hospital). It’s that dangerous. “And whilst there are now better reporting systems in place, there is always more that can be done to clean this place up.”.
