Boris Johnson Says Watching Porn In The Workplace Is “Unacceptable”
2 min read
Boris Johnson has said that watching pornography at work is “unacceptable” after an MP was accused of watching porn in the Commons chamber.
Speaking on Thursday afternoon, the Prime Minister confirmed his disapproval of MPs watching adult content on the parliamentary estate in the same manner any workplace would not tolerate staff watching porn on the job, according to Reuters.
"It's obviously unacceptable for anybody to be doing that kind of thing in the workplace," Johnson said.
“It would be the same for any kind of job up and down the country,” he added.
The Prime Minister’s comments come after a male Conservative MP, who has not been named, was referred to Parliament’s Independent Complaints and Grievances Scheme (ICGS) after being accused of watching pornography in the chamber.
The MP, who is not believed to be a whip or minister, has prompted outrage from parliamentarians and staff members across the Commons.
A government source told PoliticsHome: “Regardless of who the MP accused is, the chief whip would ask that any allegation of this kind was referred to the relevant house authorities.
“The chief whip has said he will take appropriate action upon the conclusion of any ICGS investigation.”
This week parliament has found itself once again reckoning with allegations that Westminster is not a healthy or safe place for women to work.
During a meeting of around 40-50 Tory parliamentarians on Tuesday evening, women shared their experiences of sexism and misogyny in parliament, including incidents of witnessing porn being viewed in the chamber and during committees.
Responding to the allegation today, health secretary Sajid Javid tweeted: “There have been several instances of inappropriate & sexist behaviour recently in Parliament.
“It is shameful. Parliamentarians are public servants and it is their duty to set an example of character and integrity. The culture of Westminster needs to change.”
Defence secretary Ben Wallace told Sky News this morning that “there is no place for pornography in any workplace”.
“People are there to do their job,” the defence secretary said.
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