MPs will be attending compulsory sexual consent classes under proposals being drawn up by a cross-party working group.
They will be taught that “no means no” and about what constitutes sexual harassment. The classes are already in force for students at universities such as Oxford and Cambridge.
The proposals come after a number of MPs were suspended or placed under investigation in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein scandal. A cross-party working group, chaired by Andrea Leadsom, leader of the Commons, was set up to tackle sexual harassment and assault in Westminster.
After initial disagreements the group is expected to publish its report next month. It will include proposals for an independent grievance procedure which will investigate complaints as well as proposing consent classes. Sources said the classes would be voluntary at first, but would become compulsory in the next parliament if the report is approved by the Commons.
MPs may also be offered employment training because many have never had to manage staff before. Some junior researchers have complained of bullying as well as sexual harassment.
Advertisement
Meanwhile, Jo Swinson, the Liberal Democrat deputy leader and a former minister for women, will this week launch the #EqualPower campaign on social media to coincide with the publication of her book of the same name.
She is urging everyone to make Britain more equal and to challenge sexism. She said people should share ideas on social media using the hashtag #EqualPower.
She said that she disliked catcalls when she went running but because she did not want to slow her pace she had not yet stopped to confront the offenders.