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22/02/2010
No 10 Rebuffs Bullying Inquiry Call
Labour has rejected calls for an inquiry into alleged bullying at 10 Downing Street.
Tory Leader David Cameron - responding to the admission by an anti-bullying helpline that it had been contact by Whitehall staff - said "serious matters" had been raised.
He said an inquiry should be launched to allow the civil service to "get to the bottom" of allegations.
However, Lord Mandelson said the entire reportage had been part of a "political operation".
He conceded Prime Minister Gordon Brown could be "demanding", but denied he is a bully.
National Bullying Helpline's Chief Executive Christine Pratt voiced her concern over Downing Street's denial.
Her charity said it had received calls and emails from distressed government workers.
She said No. 10 should follow "due process" as the highest powered office in the land.
Today the charity's patron Professor Cary Cooper resigned over what she called a breach of confidentiality. Ms Pratt has been criticised for going public with the allegations.
Lord Mandelson said: "This whole affair is starting to acquire a slight odour.
"I assumed that this was a storm in a teacup manufactured by somebody who wanted to get some good headlines for his book.
"It now looks like more of a political operation that's under way, directed at the prime minister personally."
Ms Pratt rejected Lord Mandelson's comments, claiming she had not accused the PM of bullying.
"The statement by Mandelson denying the bullying claims are occurring is nonsense and non-credible," she said.
"To deny the claims compounds the stress of those who believe they are being bullied. Whether it's real or imagined, to outright deny it is not conducive to a productive working environment."
Mr Cameron called the debacle an "unseemly mess" and said: "I'm sure that Number 10 Downing Street and the civil service in some way will want to have some sort of inquiry to get to the bottom of what has happened here.
"To me, all of this just says we need to get on, have a general election and have a fresh start."
(PR/BMcC)
Tory Leader David Cameron - responding to the admission by an anti-bullying helpline that it had been contact by Whitehall staff - said "serious matters" had been raised.
He said an inquiry should be launched to allow the civil service to "get to the bottom" of allegations.
However, Lord Mandelson said the entire reportage had been part of a "political operation".
He conceded Prime Minister Gordon Brown could be "demanding", but denied he is a bully.
National Bullying Helpline's Chief Executive Christine Pratt voiced her concern over Downing Street's denial.
Her charity said it had received calls and emails from distressed government workers.
She said No. 10 should follow "due process" as the highest powered office in the land.
Today the charity's patron Professor Cary Cooper resigned over what she called a breach of confidentiality. Ms Pratt has been criticised for going public with the allegations.
Lord Mandelson said: "This whole affair is starting to acquire a slight odour.
"I assumed that this was a storm in a teacup manufactured by somebody who wanted to get some good headlines for his book.
"It now looks like more of a political operation that's under way, directed at the prime minister personally."
Ms Pratt rejected Lord Mandelson's comments, claiming she had not accused the PM of bullying.
"The statement by Mandelson denying the bullying claims are occurring is nonsense and non-credible," she said.
"To deny the claims compounds the stress of those who believe they are being bullied. Whether it's real or imagined, to outright deny it is not conducive to a productive working environment."
Mr Cameron called the debacle an "unseemly mess" and said: "I'm sure that Number 10 Downing Street and the civil service in some way will want to have some sort of inquiry to get to the bottom of what has happened here.
"To me, all of this just says we need to get on, have a general election and have a fresh start."
(PR/BMcC)
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22 November 2004
BBC radio to spearhead Anti-Bullying Week message
BBC Radio One is set to spearhead a joint campaign designed to tackle bullying in schools this week. The first ever Anti-Bullying Week brings together government departments, Radio One and the Anti-Bullying Alliance to show young people that they are not alone if they are being bullied and that help is available.
BBC radio to spearhead Anti-Bullying Week message
BBC Radio One is set to spearhead a joint campaign designed to tackle bullying in schools this week. The first ever Anti-Bullying Week brings together government departments, Radio One and the Anti-Bullying Alliance to show young people that they are not alone if they are being bullied and that help is available.
15 July 2004
National anti-bully network in place for new school year
Anti-bullying experts will be based in every region of the country to help deal with school bullies, under plans announced today. Schools, local education authorities and parents will have access to practical help, advice and support in tackling all forms of bullying in schools through the new national Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA).
National anti-bully network in place for new school year
Anti-bullying experts will be based in every region of the country to help deal with school bullies, under plans announced today. Schools, local education authorities and parents will have access to practical help, advice and support in tackling all forms of bullying in schools through the new national Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA).
08 February 2005
Beckham supports government anti-bullying campaign
England captain, David Beckham, came out to show support for the government's anti-bullying campaign today, by presenting the millionth campaign wristband to a young teenager.
Beckham supports government anti-bullying campaign
England captain, David Beckham, came out to show support for the government's anti-bullying campaign today, by presenting the millionth campaign wristband to a young teenager.
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Anti-bullying charter to be adopted in schools
Head teachers and governors will be invited to adopt a charter that commits the whole school to an anti-bullying culture, as part of a new campaign announced on Thursday.
Anti-bullying charter to be adopted in schools
Head teachers and governors will be invited to adopt a charter that commits the whole school to an anti-bullying culture, as part of a new campaign announced on Thursday.
19 November 2003
'Make the Difference' against bullies, communities urged
Schools, charities, parents and young people have been urged to 'Make the Difference' and join together to tackle bullying and intimidation in schools. The 'Make the Difference' campaign brings together heads and school staff, pupils, local education authorities and voluntary organisations to support schools in developing communities.
'Make the Difference' against bullies, communities urged
Schools, charities, parents and young people have been urged to 'Make the Difference' and join together to tackle bullying and intimidation in schools. The 'Make the Difference' campaign brings together heads and school staff, pupils, local education authorities and voluntary organisations to support schools in developing communities.
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