Plan to ban alleged sex offence MPs from Parliament diluted

Proposed restrictions on MPs facing allegations of sexual or violent offenses in Parliament have been softened.

Only MPs formally charged by the police will face banishment from Parliament, a change from earlier suggestions that exclusions could happen sooner in a criminal probe, such as at the time of arrest. Union Prospect criticized the revision as a weakening of the plans.

The vote on this measure has been postponed from earlier in the month. Last month, Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt noted MPs had expressed "concerns" with the draft rules, with no new voting date scheduled.

Presently, Parliamentary authorities lack the authority to ban accused MPs, relying on voluntary cooperation. December's original proposal would have initiated a risk assessment upon notification of serious allegations against an MP.

This system, put forth by the House of Commons Commission with Mordaunt and other senior MPs, would include a panel to assess and potentially exclude MPs deemed a threat.

The Commission amended its initial suggestion, which set criminal charges as the trigger for exclusion, after a consultation highlighted potential delays between arrest and charge.

A government spokesperson stated that, following feedback, the Commission has backed a revised stance commencing upon an MP’s charge. This takes into account the potential negative effects on constituents lacking representation in Parliament.

Mike Clancy of Prospect argued that the higher threshold for action is disheartening and unsafe for Westminster staff. Clancy emphasized the need for workplace safety against "credibly accused predators."

Although the police can ban MPs from Parliament as part of bail conditions, Parliamentary officers currently have no such authority. In the past, informal agreements with accused MPs were the norm.

The House of Lords adopted new regulations in February to allow banning a peer at the point of a serious or violent offense charge.

A Commons spokesperson confirmed the Commission's backing for the revised policy and said MPs will ultimately decide its fate.