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Labour’s Chris Bryant provoked gasps in the House of Commons today, when he told MPs a journalist had told him he hoped he would commit suicide “by Christmas.”

Mr Bryant was speaking in a debate on the announcement of a new grievance procedure for Parliamentary workers making accusations of sexual harassment and inappropriate behaviour.

But he warned MPs to ensure both the accuser and accused would have access to justice.

He said: “If we just have trial by the newspapers, or trial by front page, that is not justice for the the people who feel they’ve been abused and want to make allegations, nor is it justice at the other end.”

Mr Byrant went on to describe an encounter in 2003, shortly after photographs of him in his underwear taken from a gay dating profile had been published.

He said a journalist had approached him in a popular House of Commons bar and told him: “We’re all taking bets on when you’re going to commit suicide. I hope it’ll be before Christmas.”

Tory Commons leader Andrea Leadsom told MPs proposals for the system should be published before MPs break for Christmas.

She said a cross-party working group looking at the issue had met for the first time on Tuesday.

Ms Leadsom said many staff members had expressed a need for HR training and better support for staff, and a new system would take into account "the specific needs of Parliament" and go beyond just mediation.

(Image: AFP)

"The working group has agreed that a new system should provide support, advice and action on a wide spectrum of complaints around bullying and harassment," she added.

"We will do everything in our power to ensure the solution is transparent, fair and effective.

"And this fairness must also apply to MPs and peers, because we do recognise that right across both Houses, we have many model employers who genuinely care about and look after their staff extremely well.

(Image: AFP)

"We're working to a tight timeframe, but we have all acknowledged that it's right that we address this issue with urgency.

"The publication of the final proposal will balance the need for fast action with the need for due diligence.

"The working group, including staff representatives, are considering the timetable carefully and aim to report back to the House before the House rises for Christmas recess."

Ms Leadsom said face-to-face counselling would be available in Parliament from Monday.

The existing complaints helpline has also been rolled out to staff in the Lords, she added.