UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Labour peer Harriet Harman urges a strict ban on sexual relations in chambers, citing widespread harassment and calling for radical reforms to protect juniors.
As reported by The Guardian, Harriet Harman suggested banning sexual relations between barristers and pupils or work experience trainees to curb abuse at the England and Wales bar.
How did the Navjot Sidhu case highlight the bar’s sexual misconduct issues?
The report urges “decisive and radical change” in bullying and harassment, following Navjot “Jo” Sidhu KC’s dismissal over sexual misconduct toward a junior lawyer.
Mr Harman, also an ex-deputy Labour leader, stated that the case revealed
“the systemic issues facing the bar with regard to sexual misconduct.”
Sidhu, a former Criminal Bar Association chair and once a contender for the role of director of public prosecutions, faces a case under appeal that has reignited concerns in the legal community.
What did Harriet Harman say about bullying and harassment in chambers?
Harriet Harman, who chaired the review that also examined judges’ behaviour, wrote,
“Those in powerful positions whether at the bar or in the judiciary who choose to engage in bullying, harassment or sexual harassment can be pretty confident that nothing will be done about it. And that is what must change. The jeopardy must change from the victim to the perpetrator.”
She stated,
“It must be understood by all in chambers that pupils and junior clerks are there to work, not for the sexual gratification of their seniors. There should be a new rule that it will be serious misconduct if a tenant [barrister] in chambers has sex with a pupil in that chambers, with appropriately tough sanctions.”
Ms Harman said,
“Bullying, harassment and sexual harassment is a problem at the bar and on the bench, within chambers and courtrooms, in open court and behind robing room doors. It needs to be acknowledged and dealt with to protect future victims.”
She stated,
“There is no confidence in the complaints system. The pervasive fear of complaining about misconduct gives perpetrators impunity, resulting in a cohort of untouchables. This is a moment of reckoning for the bar.”
What did Herriet Harman recommend to tackle misconduct in the bar?
The Monday report revealed that most victims feared reporting incidents, concerned it would damage their careers and leave them ostracised as ‘troublemakers’.
According to Harman, pupils exchanged notes on predatory barristers, and junior barristers used WhatsApp to report bullying judges. She urged an end to the culture of collusive bystanding.
She reported that junior barristers said they were often shouted at by judges, which left them humiliated and distressed, yet the judiciary rarely acknowledged it.
The review proposed that an independent figure be involved in sanctions decisions after judicial misconduct findings. This aims to tackle concerns that current sanctions are too lenient, discouraging complainants.
The report recommended establishing a commissioner for conduct, appointed by the Bar Council. The role would address bullying, harassment, and sexual harassment at the bar.
Barbara Mills’ views on changing the bar’s culture
The head of the Bar Council, Barbara Mills KC, described it as “once-in-a-generation opportunity for the bar to change its culture.”
She added,
“We commissioned this report last year because we’re aware of the scale of the problem but seeing its impact on our colleagues and those aspiring to join the profession in this report makes for uncomfortable reading. It’s imperative that all barristers have a safe working environment to deliver best outcomes for their clients.”
What did women tell Harriet Harman about harassment during pupillage?
A woman reported to Harman that in her first week of pupillage, a clerk demanded she sleep with him. She added that senior members of chambers groped her at social gatherings.
Another pupil told Harman she was being sexually harassed by a senior barrister. This made her reconsider her career and feel unsafe.
According to the report, a woman stopped attending social gatherings, calling the harassment “degrading” and unbearable.
Key facts about sexual harassment in the UK
Around one in eight women (12.8%) experienced sexual assault, domestic abuse, or stalking in the year to March 2025. Specifically, 1.9% of people (about 900,000) experienced sexual assault.
The figures show women face higher rates of repeat victimisation and are more likely than men to be seriously harmed.
