Should MPs be suspended over misogyny? Have your say
Vote in our reader poll and let us know what you think about the fallout after The Mail on Sunday’s Basic Instinct article on Angela Rayner
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The fallout from The Mail on Sunday’s ’Basic Instinct’ article on Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner continues to bubble on with the newspaper’s editor David Dillon rejecting Speaker Lindsay Hoyle’s invitation to meet and discuss the article.
Scroll down to enter our reader poll and let us know your thoughts in the comments
The story published on Sunday claimed that an unnamed Tory MP had told the newspaper Ms Rayner crossed and uncrossed her legs on the Labour front bench during Prime Minister’s Questions in an attempt to distract Boris Johnson. The paper likened the claims to a scene from the 1992 erotic thriller Basic Instinct and said she was trying to put the PM “off his stride”.
Since then, amid widesporead condemnation, Mr Johnson called the comments “misogynistic tripe”, while Labour leader Keir Starmer said that it was part of a “sexist” culture in parliament which must be changed.
Harriet Harman, the longest serving female MP in parliament, has demanded change to the Commons code of conduct to make misogyny an offence punishable by suspension from the house.
We want to know what you think. Do you think MPs should be suspended over misogyny? Cast your vote in our reader poll below and let us know what you think in the comments.
Check back soon to see the results of the reader poll.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments