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An inquiry into allegations of bullying and harassment of House of Commons staff will not investigate individual cases.

Former High Court judge Dame Laura Cox QC has been appointed to lead the probe, which was set up following allegations that clerks and other officials at the Palace of Westminster were bullied by MPs including Speaker John Bercow.

But under the terms of the inquiry, Dame Laura will not be investigating any individual complaints or reopening past cases.

Instead she will examine the "nature and extent" of the problem.

Dame Laura, who retired from the High Court in 2016, will also consider what options are available for resolving current or historical allegations and the support available to those affected.

The inquiry follows a report by the BBC's Newsnight programme that women officials responsible for running the business of the House had been bullied.

The report included a claim that Commons Speaker Mr Bercow shouted at and undermined his former private secretary Kate Emms, eventually leading to her being signed off sick.

Mr Bercow has denied the allegations against him, as have the two other MPs named by the programme, Labour's Paul Farrelly and Conservative Mark Pritchard.

(Image: PA)

Dame Janet Gaymer and Jane McCall, the two non-parliamentarian members of the House of Commons Commission, were tasked with agreeing the inquiry's terms of reference and identifying an expert to lead it.

Dame Janet said: "In appointing someone of the calibre and expertise of Dame Laura Cox, we are demonstrating our intention that those working for the House of Commons can be confident that the appropriate processes are in place to ensure that they are treated appropriately and fairly at all times.

"It is vitally important that this inquiry is wholly independent of any political or parliamentary influence so that everyone can be assured that it is conducted fairly and with the sole purpose of protecting those employed by the House."

Dame Laura's preliminary findings are expected to be produced before the Commons rises for its summer recess in July, with a full report in the autumn.

The FDA Union which represents senior civil servants, Government policy advisors and other staff across government welcomed the launch of the inquiry but expressed some concerns about its remit.

Assistant General Secretary of Amy Leversidge described the launch of the inquiry but said: “Our fear is that the inquiry is doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past if it does not consider previous and existing cases."

She said that the current Respect Policy is "not fit for purpose".

She said: “The failure to consider existing and past complaints by the inquiry will potentially result in a ‘clean slate’ for the perpetrators of bullying and harassment, rather than the promised closure for staff. This was a significant issue of concern when the Respect Policy was introduced and one of the reasons why staff have no confidence in the current system.



“The FDA urged the inquiry team to consider these fundamental issues before publishing their terms of reference and are frustrated that once again a ‘year zero’ approach could be adopted if any new policy is introduced.



“We will, of course, contribute to the inquiry and urge members to come forward with their experiences to build the broadest picture possible of the culture within the House of Commons.”