@, Conservatives The Rt Hon Theresa May MP. Prime Minister and Leeder of the Conservative Perty The Rt. Hon, Jeremy Corbyn MP, Leader of HM Opposition The Rt. Hon. lan Blackford MP, Westminster Leader, SNP The Rt. Hon. Sir Vince Cable MP, Leader of the Liberal Democrats The Rt. Hon. Nigel Dodds MP, Westminster Leader, Democratic Unionist Party Liz Saville Roberts MP, Westminster Leader, Plaid Cymru Caroline Lucas MP, Co-Leader, Green Party 1. November 2017 Dear all, On Monday, | was pleased to see that there was cross-party consensus that parliamentarians from both Houses and all parties need to come together urgently to address the issue of alleged mistreatment of staff. | particularly welcomed the statement by the Shadow Leader of the House that ‘We on the Labour benches are ready to work with the Government and with all parties ... to come up with an appropriate safeguarding policy for everyone who works in this place’, and the support from Pete Wishart on behalf of the SNP ‘for a whole-House response to this issue and the establishment of an independent grievance procedure.’ As the Leader of the House set out, the Government believes that at the very least, there are common principles which we hope everyone can agree upon: + First, as in any other workplace, everyone in Parliament should have the right to feel at ease as they go about their work - irrespective of position, age or seniority. * Second, whilst we have had a confidential helpline in place for several years, it must now be strengthened as a dedicated support team, made more accessible (i.e. face to face, and via the parliamentary intranet), given more resources, and its role and responsibilities highlighted to all those who work in Parliament. + Third, this support team should have the ability to recommend onward referral of any case to an independent body - to ensure appropriate investigation and action takes place. + Fourth, the support team should recommend specialised pastoral support for anyone who is experiencing distress as a consequence of their treatment in the workplace. + Fifth, the support team should recommend reporting any allegations which may be criminal directly to the police. weenatveConoakn Hrodarrs&Metn Pave Stet Lan@, Conservatives But beyond these principles, on a cross-party basis, and across Parliament, we would like to go further. Whilst there is undoubtedly a role for individual political parties to play, it cannot be right when dealing with serious issues such as these, that vulnerable or concerned people are expected to navigate different grievance procedures according to political party. Neither can it be right that such difficult issues themselves are dealt with on a party political basis; and, that no support is provided for those with no political party or party affiliation. As the Leader of the House made clear, we believe there needs to be a common, transparent, independent gri @ for all those working in Parliament who wish to raise concerns, which provides clarity and certainty about how their concerns will be dealt with, and the support they will receive. In consideration of this, it is also important that we listen to the voice of staff. The MPs and Peers Staff Association (MAPSA) called last November for a formal, cross-party grievance procedure to be put in place. The need for this was recognised by the Administration Committee; and it would be appropriate for MAPSA and trade unions, where staff are members, to be consulted as a solution is developed and, once a system is in place, to assess how it is working. To that end, | would like to invite you to work with me, and with the House, to reach an agreement and get these changes in place as soon as possible, and | invite you ~ as the leaders of the parties represented in the House of Commons ~ to a meeting this coming Monday, 6 November, at 5.15 p.m. in the House of Commons to discuss how we can work together to deliver the serious, swift, cross-party response this issue demands. The Speaker has reminded staff in both Houses of the existing services available; however, as was clear from Members’ comments on Monday, that system needs to be built upon, and | hope that you will join me in finding a way forward as a matter of urgency. Yours sincerely, 412> The Rt. Hon. Theresa May MP Prime Minister and Leader of the Conservative Party Conservative Comoe Henares 4 Mathew Parker Sheet. London SWIHOHQ | Swtshtead 020772229000 | coneenathes com