MP calls for cultural change as Commons bar set to reopen after alleged spiking
Westminster needs to 'radically reshape' its culture if it is to tackle sexual misconduct, an MP has warned as Parliament's Strangers' Bar prepares to reopen following an allegation of spiking.
The bar – a popular haunt for MPs, journalists and parliamentary staff – has been closed since January 20 after a woman, reported to be a parliamentary researcher, told staff her drink had been tampered with.
Following a review of safety at the bar, it is set to reopen on February 24 after MPs agreed to a series of new measures to deter further incidents, including installing CCTV and providing extra training for staff.
Labour MP Charlotte Nichols, who has been outspoken on the need improve behaviour in Westminster, told the PA news agency she welcomed the changes as a 'positive step', but said Parliament needed to go further.
She told PA: 'Ultimately it's tinkering around the edges of the actual issue, unless we radically reshape how we deal with the culture in Parliament.'
Ms Nichols added that this included, 'as a minimum first step', implementing the recommendations of the Kernaghan Review of Parliament's Independent Complaints and Grievance Service (ICGS), and parties 'taking much more seriously their responsibilities when it comes to dealing with allegations of sexual misconduct and vetting'.
Published in May last year, the review by former Hampshire chief constable Paul Kernaghan made 26 recommendations including mandatory training on Parliament's code of conduct for all MPs and requiring political parties to refer relevant complaints to the ICGS.
Ms Nichols' comments were echoed by Mike Clancy, general secretary of the Prospect union – which represents some parliamentary staff, who said the changes 'go some way to addressing concerns' but also called for cultural change.
He said: 'In particular, the introduction of CCTV is something Prospect has called for as an important security measure, and one which is present in virtually every other licensed premises in the country.
'It is telling however that these changes are necessary, and indicative that the overall culture at Westminster still has to change.'
As well as installing CCTV, the bar will make covers for glasses available on request, increase the presence of security staff in the vicinity and provide enhanced training to bar staff.
Information on 'drink safety' and links to schemes including 'Ask for Angela' will also be displayed in the bar.
A spokesperson for the House of Commons said: 'The safety of everyone on the estate remains a key priority for both Houses.
'Following a review of arrangements in Strangers' Bar, the House of Commons Commission has endorsed a number of changes that aim to enhance existing safety measures and ensure the well-being of all customers who visit the bar.'
The Metropolitan Police is continuing to investigate the alleged spiking, which is said to have occurred on the evening of January 7.
A spokesperson for the force said no arrests had been made so far.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
10 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Sir Sadiq Khan and King ‘compared who is a bigger workaholic'
Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan said he and the King discussed which of them is 'a bigger workaholic' as he received a knighthood for political and public service. Sir Sadiq, the first London mayor to win a third term, was knighted by Charles in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace. Speaking to the PA news agency, the 54-year-old said: 'I have got the pleasure of working closely with the King. 'We were just comparing who's a bigger workaholic. 'He was very chuffed that he managed to personally give me this honour and he actually apologised for it taking so long – which is not a problem at all.' Sir Sadiq, a second-generation immigrant, said: 'My mum's here, and she's been emotional since it was announced on January 1, and today's just a great day for the family. 'Obviously, from my background, being the son of immigrants, my parents coming here from Pakistan, it's a big deal for us.' Asked what he is proudest of in his time as the Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq said free school meals for primary school children, 'cleaning the air and investing in affordable housing'. 'What I'm really proud of is the chance to work with Londoners, like His Majesty.' Sir Loyd Grossman, who was knighted at the same ceremony, said London is 'the greatest city in the world'. The 74-year-old broadcaster and author, known widely for his range of cooking sauces, was awarded a knighthood for services to heritage, having led the transition of The Royal Parks, as chairman, from a government agency through to its establishment as an independent charity. Born in Massachusetts in the US, Sir Loyd came to England in his mid-20s. 'I've always felt that our heritage is so important to us, because not only is it beautiful, it's also inspiring,' Sir Loyd said. 'It helps us realise what it's like to be citizens together. 'It's one of the things that we do better in this country than anywhere in the world. 'People all over the world, when you ask them about London: what is it that's so great about London – which is the greatest city in the world – almost always they say your parks.' He said The Royal Parks were a lifeline for Londoners in lockdown, but that he 'couldn't possibly say' which is his favourite. 'The first one I ever went to, when I came here as a student, was Kensington Gardens, so I have a particularly strong affinity for Kensington Gardens but I just love all of them.' Dame Emily Thornberry, who has been Labour MP for Islington South and Finsbury since 2005, was formally made a dame at Buckingham Palace. The chairwoman of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, 64, said she does not usually get nervous but was 'fizzy with nerves' after receiving the honour. Dame Emily, who was honoured for political and public service, wore brooches belonging to her mother and grandmother in her hat at the ceremony. 'My grandmother used to work for Lloyds Bank and she wasn't allowed to work after she got married. If she knew that I'd become a dame, she wouldn't believe it,' the former shadow foreign secretary said. 'Neither would my mum.'
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
UK sanctions two far-right Israeli government ministers over Gaza comments
The United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on two hardline Israeli government ministers over comments they made about Gaza, Britain's PA Media reported Tuesday. Security minister Itamar Ben Gvir and finance minister Bezalel Smotrich will face a travel ban and an asset freeze, PA reported. Ben Gvir and Smotrich both lead far-right political parties that help keep Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's fragile government coalition afloat. Both men have previously faced criticism for their hardline rhetoric and positions on the war in Gaza. This is a developing story and will be updated.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Arise, Sir Sadiq - London's mayor knighted by King
The Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan has been knighted by King Charles at Buckingham Palace. The formal ceremony saw the mayor go down on one knee and be dubbed with a sword by the monarch, the traditional process for conferring a knighthood. Sir Sadiq, who was re-elected for a third term in May 2024, is the first mayor of London to receive the honour. When the honour was confirmed in December Sir Sadiq said it was already the "honour of my life to serve the city I love" and that he was "truly humbled" to have been made a knight. Sir Sadiq was recognised in the New Year Honours for his political and public service. However, the Conservatives have criticised his knighthood, with Shadow Home Secretary and Croydon South MP Chris Philp claiming Londoners "will rightly be furious his track record of failure is being rewarded". The mayor worked as a human rights lawyer before entering Parliament as MP for Tooting for Labour in 2005. He became mayor of London in 2016, replacing Boris Johnson, and has since won two further terms. Also honoured on Tuesday was Dame Emily Thornberry, MP for Islington South and Finsbury since 2005, who formally received her damehood at the Buckingham Palace ceremony for political and public service. Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to Sadiq Khan knighthood prompts Conservative criticism London mayor urged to raise SUV parking fees Sir Sadiq Khan in Cannes to 'bang drum for London' The Royal Family