Commission Statement of 1 November 2018 – Dame Laura Cox Report

The House of Commons Commission repeated its determination to use its influence to support the three fundamental recommendations highlighted by Dame Laura Cox – as outlined in the Commission's statement of 24 October and to act on these as soon as possible. 

In particular, the Commission agreed not to wait for the six-month review of the Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme (due to start in January 2019) but to identify a way to give those with historical complaints access to the Scheme, and to provide for determination of complaints without the involvement of MPs. Work has started to progress with these issues immediately, together with the Leader of the House, and in consultation with the Standards Committee and the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards.

The Commission also noted that, as directed at the Commission's 24 October meeting, the Commons Executive Board will meet on 2 November to consider the outlines of an action plan – which will be overseen by the Commission's external members. The Commission was also informed that the details of the inquiry into bullying and harassment of Members staff would be announced very shortly.

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