Skip to main content
Neil Parish – anomaly or normality?
When a Tory MP is caught watching pornography on his phone in the House of Commons, can it really be regarded as a ‘moment of madness’? Or does it illustrate male entitlement, disregard and disrespect for women, asks ALI MORRIS

NEIL PARISH, MP for Tiverton and Honiton, announced his resignation on Saturday after a week of goings-on that resembled a circus show. Last week we knew that an MP had been seen looking at pornography on his phone in the House of Commons. 

Then we were told the identity of the MP, followed by his resignation. This whole debacle, like so many other recent parliamentary scandals, will in no doubt be erased from the public’s consciousness shortly so politicians will be free to carry on behaving as if the rules don’t apply. 

This scandal, however, gives us an opportunity to examine an issue that has been at the forefront of many women’s and girls’ lives.

Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
International Women's Day 2025 / 8 March 2025
8 March 2025
ALI MORRIS explains how a team of experts are providing support to local authorities assisting women in exiting prostitution
Features / 21 August 2022
21 August 2022
The decision to employ a man to roll out important sex-specific legislation for women and girls is downright arrogant and dangerous, writes ALI MORRIS
Similar stories
Features / 5 March 2025
5 March 2025
As TUC Women’s Conference prepares to debate the decriminalisation of prostitution, EMMA, who exited the sex industry more than nine years ago, reflects on how her harrowing experience changed her initial view that ‘sex work is work’
Editorial: / 5 September 2024
5 September 2024
Features / 19 June 2024
19 June 2024
Is the United Nations finally recognising that the sex trade is a form of exploitation and a breach of human rights? LUBA FEIN welcomes a new report which suggests that might be the case