Tory porn controversy: did an MP watch pornography in the House of Commons - what has been said?

Senior ministers have lambasted “men who behave like animals” in parliament after allegations surfaced of a Tory MP watching a pornographic video in the House of Commons.

Attorney General Suella Braverman has criticised “a very small minority of men” for their conduct in parliament and added that the MP in question, who has not been identified, could be thrown out of the job if they are found to have been watching porn in the House of Commons.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid echoed Ms Braverman’s words, saying that there has been “several instances” of inappropriate behaviour recently.

A spotlight has been shone on the topic with accusations of a culture of sexism and misogyny in the parliament, after an unamed Tory source spoke to the Mail on Sunday for a story comparing deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner to Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct for crossing her legs while in the House of Commons.

What has been accused?

It has been accused that the Tory MP watched the inappropriate video on his mobile phone while sitting in the chamber, with more than one witness coroborating the allegations.

The claim has been corroborated by another MP who also witnessed the event.

The identity of the politican in question has not been released publically, but the name has been passed onto Tory chief whip Chris Heaton-Harris, who has now launched an investigation.

MPs spoke about the situation while at the Tuesday evening meeting between Tory colleagues, where it was also reported that 56 MPs have been referred to the Independent Complaints and Grievences Scheme (ICGS) for sexual misconduct.

It is believed that among those included in the group who have been referred are three Cabinet ministers.

What has the Conservatives said about the situation?

A Conservative whips office spokeswoman previously confirmed that Mr Heaton-Harris launched an investigation into the claims are underway.

It has now been confirmed that Mr Heaton-Harris has asked that the incident be referred to the ICGS.

A spokesperson for the chief whip said: “Following allegations of inappropriate behaviour in the House of Commons the chief whip has asked that this matter be referred to the ICGS.

“Upon the conclusion of any ICGS investigation the chief whip will take appropriate action.”

Mr Braverman had harsh words for the unidentified MP who is accused of watching porn in parliament.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Women’s Hour, she said: “I keep running through my mind how and why someone would be so brazen… so reckless, so stupid, so appallingly badly behaved to be watching porn in the workplace, in broad daylight, in the presence of colleagues.

“I’m ashamed this person is carrying a Conservative rosette”.

Ms Braverman later told Sky News: “There are many possible sanctions and they go up to suspension or even expulsion from the House of Commons. The most serious sanction could potentially apply in this case.”

The claims were raised during a regular meeting of Conservative MPs wich was held on Tuesday evening.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that such behaviour is “intolerable” and added that any MP found to have taken part in such behaviour would be facing dismissal from their role.

Speaking to reporters during a visit to Burnley, Mr Johnson said: “I think it’s obviously unacceptable for anybody to be doing that kind of thing in the workplace.

“It would be the same for any kind of job up and down the country, let’s be absolutely clear about that.

“What needs to happen now is that the proper procedures need to be gone through, the independent complaints and grievances procedure needs to be activated and we need to get to understand the facts but, yeah, that kind of behaviour is clearly totally unacceptable.”

Health Secretary Sajid Javid said: “There have been several instances of inappropriate and 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.”

What else has been said about the situation?

The Labour party has criticised the situation, with leader Keir Starmer adding that it should be a “sackable offence” if an MP is found to have watched pornography inside the chamber.

Shadow busines secretary Jonathan Reynolds echoed Mr Starmer’s words, saying: “I’ve seen these revelations this morning. I’m appalled.

“Any workplace, I believe you’d face a significant sanction from behaving that way if that was what your workplace was and that was your job.

“I think they should be treated in exactly the same way. I hope the Conservatives are taking this seriously.”