Police Notified of Parliament Misconduct Review
Police at Holyrood have been informed about a recent review revealing numerous previously unreported instances of bullying, harassment, and sexual harassment within the Scottish Parliament.
Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone addressed MSPs on Friday, stating that the police unit at the Scottish Parliament had been made "aware of the limited information" contained in the report.
The report followed a Dignity at Work survey conducted among staff working for MSPs and the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body, which manages Holyrood. The survey was completed in January 2024.
It uncovered 84 previously unreported cases of bullying, harassment, and sexual harassment dating back to 2021.
Speaking on Friday, Johnstone emphasized the need for strict standards, saying:
"There can and must be zero tolerance of inappropriate behaviour."
She noted that the review and report publication had "brought issues to light which were previously unknown." Johnstone further addressed MSPs:
"Speaking out is never easy and our foremost concern is for anyone affected by inappropriate conduct.
Senior parliament officials made the parliament police unit aware of the limited information we have and sought advice regarding reporting duties and signposting.
I would encourage anyone who has experienced inappropriate conduct to report it.
Officials will support any person who wishes to formally report concerns."
The reported cases include "serious allegations of sexual misconduct, sexual harassment affecting women and men," as well as "incidents linked to alcohol and behaviour described as intended to 'keep women in their place'."
The Dignity at Work survey detailed 45 allegations of bullying, 25 of harassment, and 14 of sexual harassment. All Holyrood staff, including those employed by MSPs, were invited to participate.
The report also highlights a perceived "two-tier culture" within parliament, where poor behaviour by MSPs is less likely to be addressed.
Party Leaders Respond: Calls for Change
Party leaders reacted to the report, affirming that the Scottish Parliament must be a safe workplace free from inappropriate conduct.
The report was discussed as MSPs returned for a fourth day to debate amendments to the assisted dying bill during its final stage at Holyrood.
First Minister John Swinney stated:
"It is vital that everyone who comes to work at this parliament comes to a safe and respectful working environment, that applies to every single member of staff no matter their role.
If even just one person has a bad experience here that is completely unsatisfactory, and there is a duty on all of us to address it.
As first minister, I want to make clear to parliament a culture of appropriate behaviour is essential to the functioning of our democracy."
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay commented on the report's implications:
"It is clear that things need to change."
With the current Parliament scheduled to conclude at the end of April ahead of the May election, Findlay added that it would be the responsibility of the next parliament to:
"take the necessary action to ensure that unacceptable behaviour at Holyrood is no longer tolerated."
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar also stressed the urgency of addressing the issue, calling it an "urgent priority for the next parliament." He described the report as "deeply worrying" and demanded:
"There must be a zero tolerance for bullying and sexual harassment in the Scottish Parliament."
Scottish Green co-leader Gillian Mackay described the volume and nature of the allegations as "shocking and will be hugely concerning for everyone."
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton acknowledged that while the report was "embarrassing," it also represented a "call to action."
Police Scotland have been contacted for comment.
