Theresa May urges victims of sexual harassment at Westminster to go to police

'We would advise people to contact the police if there is such an allegation, so that it's fully investigated'

Allegations of sexual harassment at Westminster are 'deeply concerning', the Prime Minister believes (Getty)

Staff at Westminster who believe they are victims of sexual harassment and abuse should go to the police, Theresa May has urged.

The Prime Minister believes the allegations made against politicians – including Cabinet members, reportedly – are “deeply concerning”, her spokeswoman said.

However, she declined to be drawn on whether Parliamentary rules needed to be changed to give greater protection to female staff at risk.

The spokeswoman also stressed that No 10 was not aware of any allegations having been formally reported.

The intervention came after The Sun reported that female researchers and aides in Parliament are using a WhatsApp group to share information about alleged abuse.

The group is said to have accused politicians of all parties of being “very handsy” in lifts and one minster of being “not safe in taxis”.

Asked about the allegations, the No 10 spokeswoman said: “Any reports of sexual harassment are deeply concerning.

“The Prime Minister was very clear, when we responded to the reports about Harvey Weinstein in the last few weeks, that any unwanted sexual behaviour is completely unacceptable, and that is true in any walk of life – including politics.

“Any allegations that may come to light will be taken extremely seriously and we would advise people to contact the police if there is such an allegation so that it's fully investigated.”

Asked if allegations against a minister would lead to their dismissal by the Prime Minister, the spokeswoman said: “She would take it extremely seriously and serious action would be taken where it's necessary.”

Allegations that did not warrant a police investigation could be made to the House of Commons authorities or a political party, she added.

“All parties, all employers in any walk of life including politics, must take this seriously and must make sure staff are protected and looked after,” she said.

The spokeswoman was asked if staff might require the greater protection of being employed by Parliament – rather than by individual MPs – but said she could not “pre-empt investigations”.

No MP facing allegations has been named by The Sun, but the paper quoted a source claiming they could trigger a scandal and resignations.

Another source told The Sun that women in Parliament had been protecting each other for years.

“For years we have all looked out for each other. It’s like, 'So-and-so is hiring, but it can’t be a woman for him',” they said.

A Commons spokesperson said: "The House of Commons takes the welfare of everyone who works in Parliament very seriously.

“A free confidential helpline is provided by the House and available 24/7 for all Members’ staff.”