Statement on BBC reports of alleged sexual assault

This morning (Monday 6 November) on the BBC, the Victoria Derbyshire Programme reported that a Conservative party activist reported an alleged rape to the Clerk of the House of Commons, and her claims were not followed up. As criminal proceedings relating to the case were already underway, there was no question of referring the allegations onwards.

In advance of the programme we provided a statement to the BBC outlining our position on these claims. Despite our repeated requests, the BBC has chosen not to include our full comment. Please see below for the statement.

“A private conversation took place earlier in the year between the Clerk of the House (David Natzler) and a Conservative party activist, at her request. This conversation arose as a result of an alleged rape which had already been investigated by the police and for which criminal proceedings had been instigated. The allegation was mentioned but was not the focus of the discussion, as the incident had not taken place on the Parliamentary Estate, and the activist had not been employed on the Estate. There was no question of formally “referring” the allegations to other House authorities as there was already a criminal case underway. We understand that the charges have recently been dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service.
 
In the course of a 25 minute conversation, the individual concerned gave the Clerk some helpful personal insights based on her view on aspects of the culture and attitudes within certain parts of the parliamentary community. These were informally reported onwards and are being acted upon in various ways.”