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ITV News Deputy Political Editor Anushka Astana reports on the mood in Westminster after it became clear that a Tory MP was under investigation for watching pornography in the hall.
Watching porn in the House of Commons is a “disgusting” and “fired” crime, said Labor leader Keir Starmer.
On Wednesday, it turned out that a Tory MP was under investigation for reports that they watched pornography on their mobile phones while in the municipal hall.
Asked what should happen to an MP who was found to have watched pornography in parliament, Mr Starmer told ITV’s Peston show: “I am first concerned about these allegations, they obviously need to be investigated.
“And if it’s true that someone watched porn sitting in the hall, and I think the allegation is, I don’t know for sure that someone from the front of the government is involved, then, of course, I think it’s a crime which may be dismissed. “
Conservative chief Chris Heaton-Harris’s office said it was referring the matter to an independent complaints and grievance scheme to be investigated.
“Following allegations of misconduct in the House of Commons, the chief whip called for the issue to be referred to the Independent Complaints and Complaints Scheme,” said a spokesman for Mr Heaton-Harris.
“Following the completion of each ICGS investigation, the Chief VIP will take appropriate action.
Asked if the MP should still resign if he was in the back seat, Mr Starmer said: “It’s disgusting, it’s almost unbelievable.
“I think a lot of jaws were on the floor this morning when it was said that a Tory MP might have been involved.
“Immediate research is needed and action must be taken immediately. There is an individual problem here, but there is also a cultural problem.
“We need cultural change in the House of Commons, in parliament, and cultural change comes from the top, so the prime minister has to lead that.”
The investigation comes after the Mirror and Sun reported that the allegations were leaked during a meeting of Tory MPs in Westminster on Tuesday night.
According to the Mirror, between 40 and 50 Tory MPs attended the meeting on Tuesday, including Mr Heaton-Harris, Tory Party Chairman Oliver Dowden and Municipal Leader Mark Spencer.
Former Prime Minister Theresa May is also said to be present.
Understandably, the investigation focuses on allegations that a conservative watched a video of adults in the municipal hall, but could not immediately establish whether the MP was a former judge.
The Tories met amid reports that 56 lawmakers, including three cabinet ministers, have been charged with sexual misconduct in the Independent Complaints and Complaints Scheme.
Following reports, Greens MP Caroline Lucas pressured Boris Johnson during a question from the prime minister as to whether he “considers sexual harassment – apparently unlike harassment and lies – to be grounds for dismissal under the ministerial code”.
The Prime Minister replied that “of course” it was, adding: “Sexual harassment is unacceptable and it is quite right for members to have a procedure to bring this to the attention of the House authorities and I think this is a good thing.”
This was also followed by outrage from the Mail On Sunday, which published “sexist” and contested allegations by anonymous conservative lawmakers that Labor MP Angela Raynor had tried to distract the mayor by “crossing and crossing her legs.” “.
The prime minister and lawmakers from all over the House condemned the “misogyny” aimed at Ms Raynor, who told ITV she had “fallen out”, seeing the remarks in the “disgusting” article.
A provocative Ms. Raynor said she did not need diversionary techniques to discuss the prime minister, but admitted that she felt compelled to wear pants for her participation in ITV’s Lorraine program, “because I feel I am being tried. for what I wear, not what I tell you and how I fall. “
Mr Johnson threatened the MP behind the “unbearable” comments with “the horrors of the earth” if he ever found out who they were.
Meanwhile, Mail on Sunday editor David Dylan declined to attend a meeting with Mayor Sir Lindsay Hoyle, saying journalists “should not accept instructions from House of Commons officials, no matter how August they are.”
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