Greens call for consent lessons for MPs
1 November 2017
*Deputy leader Amelia Womack: “So many in Westminster are utterly failing to understand the power dynamics at play”
The Green Party is calling for MPs to be sent to consent lessons after multiple allegations of sexual harassment and assault in Westminster [1].
Caroline Lucas MP, Green Party co-leader, raised the idea of ongoing, compulsory training covering consent, appropriate language and professional boundaries during a panel discussion on BBC Radio 5 live this morning.
It is also Green Party policy for consent lessons to be part of compulsory PSHE in schools [2].
Amelia Womack, Green Party deputy leader, said:
“As the number of sexual harassment and assault allegations grows, it becomes more and more apparent that many have no idea what is and isn’t appropriate in the workplace. So many in Westminster are utterly failing to understand the power dynamics at play between male MPs, senior political party figures and other staff like assistants and researchers.
“We’re calling for consent lessons to be part of MPs’ induction into Parliament and ongoing training should be compulsory – starting now. The sooner we can end this epidemic of sexual harassment the better.
“Westminster is far from unique in its failure to tackle harassment, and these measures will not protect women in other workplaces, but it is a step in the right direction. Introducing consent lessons as part of compulsory PSHE in schools would make a wider impact and help keep the next generation safe from harassment.
“Westminster has an opportunity to lead the way and introduce mandatory training to prevent sexual harassment and assault in the first place, alongside robust reporting procedures where perpetrators will be held to account when it does occur.”
Notes: