A ban on MPs who have been involved in sexual assault cases has caused a stir within the House of Commons, with many Tory MPs disapproving.
Tory MP Ban
The Conservative Party is working to issue a ban on all MPs from entering Parliament if they have been linked to a sexual assault case.
Rift Created Within Tory Ranks
The idea has created a rift within the Party, with many Tory MPs strongly opposing it, while others believe it would be best for the party’s reputation.
A History of Sexual Assault
Multiple Tory MPs inside the House of Commons have a history of sexual assault although some were not proven guilty in a court of law.
Disgraced MP for Romford Speaks Out
One of those disgraced MPs, Andrew Rosindell, who has served as the Conservative MP for Romford since 2001, has spoken out against the decision.
Rosindell “Appalled” by Ban
Although he was never found guilty, Rosindell was under investigation for four years, recently admitting he was “appalled” by the idea.
Controversial MP Shows Support
One staunch supporter of the idea was former Tory MP Natalie Elphicke, who made the news after the local elections for announcing her defection to Labour.
Elphicke Supports Convicted Huband
Elphicke’s decision to defect to Labour was met with scrutiny from Labour MPs due to her right-wing views and support for her husband, who was convicted of sexual assault.
An Apology And Welcome
Elphicke has since apologised for supporting her husband and was welcomed by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer despite many Labour criticisms.
Defence Secretary Against Ban
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps was also against the ban, arguing that the Conservative Party must respect the decision of the British judicial system.
“The Wrong Side of Natural Justice”
“For me, it does seem to be just on the wrong side of natural justice. And that is why I voted to say wait for a charge,” Shapps insisted.
Passionate Arguments on Both Sides
Despite this vote, Shapps admitted that there were “passionate” arguments on both sides although his commitment to law enforcement swayed him to vote against the idea.
“Innocent Until Proven Guilty”
Shapps’s argument was echoed by Rosindell, who cited the country’s “innocent until proven guilty” mantra, arguing that the rule had been “lost”.
Removing the Bad Stain
Lucy Powell, Labour’s Shadow Commons Leader, insisted that the move was to rid the history of bad behaviour within the Commons once and for all.
Cloud of Wrongdoing Hanging Over Commons
Powell declared a “constant cloud” of “serious wrongdoing or harassment or bad culture in workplaces” loomed over the Commons, hoping the new rule would eradicate it.
Commons Leader Fights For Ban
Leader of the Commons, Penny Mordaunt, who was recently reportedly seeking a move for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s job, agreed with Powell on the ban.
Mordaunt Wants Standards “Improved”
Mordaunt claimed the ban was necessary in order to “improve standards of behaviour and safeguarding” within the Commons.
Tory MPs Against Ruling
Many Tory MPs displayed their discontent with the ruling, including Jacob Rees-Mogg, who branded the ruling “unconstitutional”.
Going Against Constitutional Rights
Rees-Mogg argued that it’s the “most ancient constitutional right” and no one should “deny constituents representation” in Parliament.
Strong Arguments For Ruling Displayed
The MPs in favour of the ruling mainly consisted of women, some of whom had spoken to the victims of sexual assault that was allegedly initiated by Tory MPs in the room at the time.
MPs Stripped of Commons Entry
With the new ruling set to take place, it will be interesting to see how MPs react in the coming weeks as they are stripped of their right to enter the Commons.
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Oscar Davies, an expert in US and UK politics and sports, is renowned for his sharp and engaging writing style, appealing to a broad spectrum of readers.