Call to make MPs face criminal record checks after Church scandal

by · Mail Online

MPs and peers could be forced to submit to criminal record checks for the first time in the wake of the CofE abuse scandal.

Labour MP Jo White has put down a Commons motion calling for an end to the presumption that parliamentarians should automatically be presumed to be safe employers for young people.

Her call would see in-depth background checks made by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Ms White, the MP for Bassetlaw in Nottinghamshire, said: ‘All parliamentarians should be subject to a DBS check when they take their place in the House of Commons or House of Lords.’

She told The Mail on Sunday: ‘MPs or members of the House of Lords are typically regarded as powerful and unchallengeable.

‘This often enables them to get into places that normally have tight or restrictive security measures in place. No matter whether they are walking the corridors of Parliament or visiting the care home down the road, it’s essential all parliamentarians have a DBS check.

MPs and peers could be forced to submit to criminal record checks for the first time in the wake of the CofE abuse scandal
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby this week stepped down after it emerged he had inadequately dealt with allegations of sexual abuse by Church members
The Church of England is shrouded in controversy following scandalous revelations over its inability to properly deal with allegations of sexual abuse by members

‘This provides confidence and reassurance for all and helps to protect the vulnerable.

‘A lot needs to be done to rid the Houses of Parliament of [its reputation] as a place of sleaze, and this would be a positive step in the right direction.’

Last night one senior MP raised concerns that partners of parliamentarians are not subject to criminal record checks either. 

The MP said that Ms White should now pass her proposals to the major review of Commons standards and working practices, being conducted by a newly formed Modernisation Committee.

The committee is chaired by Commons Leader Lucy Powell, who last month said that ‘in recent years the reputation of Parliament has been tarnished’. She added: ‘There’s much to do.’