REPORT’S FINDINGS
Bullying, harassment in Britain’s House
Examples of alleged boorishness included 'shouting at or belittling staff'
Bullying and sexual harassment are pervasive in Britain’s House of Commons because of a "culture of deference" among loyal staff, a damning report said on Monday. Former high court judge Laura Cox, who was appointed to investigate reports of bullying and harassment of staff, found that there were "urgent and serious problems" in dealing with the claims. She singled out House speaker John Bercow, saying it was "difficult to envisage" how improvements could be made under the 650-member chamber’s current senior administration. "Among current and former staff alike there is an obvious pride and affection for the House and its status," she said. "But that sense of loyalty has been tested to breaking point by a culture, cascading from the top down, of deference, subservience, acquiescence and silence, in which bullying, harassment and sexual harassment have been able to thrive and have long been tolerated and concealed." Bad behaviour by elected members and staff "inflicts damage on every...
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