Westminster hit by sex abuse scandal

The UK government has been hit by a series of allegations of sexual harassment by its MPs. On Saturday The Times reported that four MPs, including a minister, have been accused of sexual misconduct.

The politicians — two from Labour and two from the Conservative party  — reportedly harassed and propositioned young women inappropriately, it said. The accused minister, who is married, allegedly made passes at several women, including journalists and aides. Another married Conservative MP reportedly had affairs with at least two young researchers in the past few years, The Times said.

The Labour MP allegedly texted a colleague, suggesting there would have been sexual contact had he been younger. Another Labour MP allegedly sent multiple inappropriate texts “when drunk”, including to a researcher in her early twenties.

Earlier, The Sun had reported that female researches and aides in Parliament were sharing alleged sex abuse stories in a WhatsApp group to warn the new staff. The group has accused politicians of all parties of being “very handsy” in lifts and one minister of being “not safe in taxis”. Prime Minister Theresa May has said the allegations are “deeply concerning”.