Edinburgh MP welcomes Nandy condemnation of sexual harassment
Edinburgh West MP Christine Jardine has been praised by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy for speaking out against sexual harassment and assault across the creative industries.
During an exchange in the House of Commons, Ms Jardine drew attention to Bectu figures showing that nine in ten creative sector workers have experienced or witnessed sexual harassment or assault.
The figures from Bectu show the scale of the problem across the creative industries.
Drawing on her own experience in the industry, she called for the entertainment sector to use its influence to challenge unacceptable behaviour across society.
Ms Nandy responded by praising Ms Jardine for speaking out, saying that MPs must use their voices “as loudly as we possibly can” and stand up to ensure they are heard.
Ms Jardine said: “Sexual harassment and assault are not confined to high-profile individuals or the entertainment industries. But I welcome the Secretary of State’s approach.
“I still hear about too many young women who have experienced inappropriate comments, approaches, or a general atmosphere that makes them uncomfortable in the workplace. We need to call that out wherever it occurs.
“It’s not enough to say some big figure has gone to jail or lost their job. We need to stop this behaviour happening in the first place.”