Parliament misconduct allegations reported to police

Police at Holyrood have been informed about a new review which detailed scores of previously unreported cases of bullying, harassment and sexual harassment.

Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone told MSPs on Friday that the police unit at the Scottish Parliament had been made "aware of the limited information" contained in the report.

It was published after a Dignity at Work survey of staff working for MSPs and for the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body - which is responsible for the running of Holyrood - was completed in January this year.

It revealed 84 previously unreported cases of bullying, harassment and sexual harassment since 2021.

Speaking on Friday, Johnstone said: "There can and must be zero tolerance of inappropriate behaviour."

The presiding officer added that the review and publication of the report had "brought issues to light which were previously unknown".

She told 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 cases are said to 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"'.

A Dignity at Work survey found 45 allegations of bullying, 25 of harassment and 14 of sexual harassment.

All Holyrood staff, including those who work for MSPs, were invited to take part in the survey.

The report also states that staff in parliament perceive there to be a "two-tier culture" where poor behaviour by MSPs is less likely to be dealt with.

Party leaders responded to the reports and pledged that parliament must be a safe place for people to work, free from inappropriate behaviour.

The report was addressed as MSPs returned for a fourth day to debate amendments to the assisted dying bill as it reaches its final stage of consideration at Holyrood.

First Minister John Swinney said: "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 said in the wake of the report it was "clear that things need to change".

With the current Parliament due to finish at the end of this month, ahead of May's election, Findlay added that it would be for 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 said the issue must be an "urgent priority for the next parliament".

And he said "decisive action" was necessary in the wake of the "deeply worrying" report.

Sarwar added: "There must be a zero tolerance for bullying and sexual harassment in the Scottish Parliament."

Scottish Green co-leader Gillian Mackay said the volume and nature of the allegations in the report were "shocking and will be hugely concerning for everyone".

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said that while the report was "embarrassing" it was also a "call to action".

Police Scotland have been approached for comment.