Express & Star comment: House still has major work to do
Over the past week Westminster has become completely engulfed in a growing sexual misconduct scandal.
The number of claims against MPs and other parliamentarians is growing by the day.
The allegations include assault, claims of inappropriate physical contact, lewd text messages and offensive verbal comments.
Some of the claims date back years.
No form of abuse is acceptable. In particular, it is deeply worrying that authorities in Parliament are accused of failing to deal with an assault claim made by a woman working for an MP, despite her reporting it four times.
It is only right that all claims are thoroughly investigated by the appropriate authorities.
Commons Speaker John Bercow and Andrea Leadsom are right to say further action will be taken against anyone who is found to have committed any wrongdoing.
Theresa May is right to propose a new independent grievance system as a way of dealing with future sexual harassment complaints.
But we must be careful here not to engage in a witch hunt against politicians who may have done nothing wrong.
In the current climate, we appear to be set for a pattern of accusation followed by denial that could potentially last for months.
Meanwhile, as the gossip continues to circulate, it is crucially important that parliamentary business continues as usual.
The current scandal has clearly had an impact on MPs, with yesterday's Prime Minister's Questions one of the most subdued in living memory.
This week the Black Country has found itself at the centre of parliamentary business for all the right reasons.
The region's manufacturing showcase, organised by proud Dudley MP Ian Austin, is a fantastic event that highlights the many strengths of our growing manufacturing base.
Not only does this area excel in the more traditional industries, we are also pioneers in hi-tech manufacturing.
Businesses in this region are proving without doubt that they are Brexit-ready.
They are prepared to go out into the world and take advantage of the wealth of opportunities that our departure from the EU brings.
The air of despondency currently hanging over the House of Commons should not detract from the fact that there is work to be done - not least in terms of getting on with Brexit.
