Jeremy Corbyn releases stinging statement on Labour sexual harassment complaints Jeremy Corbyn has released a statement in support of the female MPs who, following the prominence of the Weinstein scandal, […]

Jeremy Corbyn has released a statement in support of the female MPs who, following the prominence of the Weinstein scandal, came forward about their own experiences of sexual harassment in Parliament.

The Labour leader called for the perpetrators of the abuse to be “held to account” and said that the party would exercise “zero tolerance” over such behaviour.

In an email sent to Labour party members, Corbyn wrote: “After the numerous allegations and revelations about the Hollywood executive Harvey Weinstein, the issue of sexual harassment and abuse is rightly being discussed much more openly. The i politics newsletter cut through the noise Email address is invalid Email address is invalid Thank you for subscribing! Sorry, there was a problem with your subscription. “Sexual harassment is not of course confined to Hollywood. Misogyny and sexism are widespread problems across society. It exists and thrives in the corridors of power, including in Westminster. “At this time, many women have felt more able to come forward and speak about abuse they have experienced. “And as they do, there must be a proper procedure for listening, holding the perpetrators of this harassment to account, and crucially, accepting our shared responsibility to challenge and work to change a culture where the abuse of women has too often been normalised.”

He went on to describe the “robust policy” to deal with complaints of sexual harassment the party agreed to in July this year. Details of the policy, which includes a hotline to report abuse, appear on the Labour party website.

“I urge anyone with any complaints to come forward and use the confidential party procedures, or for those working in parliament, to the Commons Authorities, or to the police where appropriate,” he said. “I want to make it absolutely clear that our party will not tolerate any form of discrimination or harassment. It is not enough to say we have zero tolerance of sexual harassment and abuse. We must do everything we can to act against this injustice.”

Corbyn’s message follows the emergence of the LabourToo.org.uk website, set up by a group of six women who work at all levels in the Labour party.

The site criticises the party’s complaints procedure, and urges it to “better support victims” of harassment.

It also comes days after the suspension of Labour MP Jared O’Mara over sexist and homophobic remarks, and an ill-advised quip made by Clive Lewis MP to a male audience member during a live show.

“Get on your knees, bitch,” Lewis said. Corbyn called the joke “completely wrong” and Lewis apologised.