MPs arrested for rape face being barred from Parliament after the Commons voted to reverse moves to water down the measures.
It means that if an MP has been arrested for a violent or sexual offence, a Commons panel will decide whether to bar them.
Previously, MPs who had been arrested or were alleged to be under investigation for sexual offences usually voluntarily agreed to stay away.
But parliamentary authorities had no power to ban them. A Commons Commission initially proposed risk assessments on whether MPs should be barred if arrested for a violent or sexual offence.
The proposal was later revised so the threshold was at the point of charge. But last night MPs voted 170 to 169 for a proposal from Liberal Democrat Wendy Chamberlain for an arrest threshold.
MPs arrested for rape face being barred from Parliament after the Commons voted to reverse moves to water down the measures (stock photo)
![Jess Phillips Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley in her Westminster office on January 22](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/14/01/84824947-0-image-m-4_1715646021737.jpg)
Jess Phillips Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley in her Westminster office on January 22
![Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg (pictured) called the motion 'unconstitutional', saying the ability to ban an MP should be subject to a vote of the House](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/14/01/84824971-13414499-Sir_Jacob_Rees_Mogg_pictured_called_the_motion_unconstitutional_-m-27_1715648081994.jpg)
Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg (pictured) called the motion ‘unconstitutional’, saying the ability to ban an MP should be subject to a vote of the House
Labour MP Jess Phillips said: ‘Exclusion at the point of charge sends a message that not only will we not investigate unless a victim goes to the police but we won’t act unless they’re charged, which happens in less than 1 per cent of cases.’
But Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg called the motion ‘unconstitutional’, saying the ability to ban an MP should be subject to a vote of the House.
He said: ‘If we want to do this, let us find time for legislation and do it properly.’