BBC support for victims of harassment and stalking

Early day motion 476, tabled 19 October 2022 by Barry Sheerman (Labour/Co-operative). Signed by 9 members.

That this House recognises the immense suffering caused by Alex Belfield to his victims; condemns the grievous abuse of social media by the perpetrator who repeatedly exposed his victims to hatred, intimidation and harassment online; reiterates the comments of Justice Saini that the women who gave witness acted with substantial courage and real fortitude in coming to court about matters that had a very substantial negative mental health impact on them; reflects on the ruinous physical and mental impact that this campaign of targeted stalking and harassment has had on victims with them attaining little to no support from the BBC; is concerned that the help victims received from the BBC was remote, unconcerned and without sympathy; believes that there must be an urgent reflection to identify the mistakes that were made; therefore calls on the BBC to commission an independent inquiry into the handling of this case and treatment of all staff who have been harassed.

Signatures by party: Labour 3, Plaid Cymru 3, Labour/Co-operative 2, Independent 1.