The Scottish Parliament banned rainbow lanyards last month to “help avoid any potential misperception over the absolute impartiality of all Scottish parliamentary staff.” No such policy looks to come from Westminster – taxpayer-funded spending on the lanyards has shot up by 431% in the past year. Some MPs are wondering why…

It has now been revealed that spending on rainbow/progressive flag lanyards has risen from £380 to £1,639 in the last year – thousands are available for staff to wear from the ParliOut Workplace Equality Network. Parliamentary rules are clear that staff “must carry out their duties and deliver services with complete political impartiality, and must be seen to do so. The wearing of pins or badges which express a personal view on a politically controversial issue would not therefore be appropriate in the workplace.” Parliament may be crumbling, though at least it’s doing so in solidarity and allyship…