Nicola Sturgeon has called for a review of procedures at Holyrood following reports of sexual harassment allegations.

The First Minister has written to Ken Macintosh, the Presiding Officer, to seek a cross party meeting to ensure zero tolerance of harassment and to reassure staff and MSPs any allegations will be investigated and dealt with properly.

The call comes after lawyer, Aamer Anwar, said he had been contacted by women who said they had been the victims of sexual harassment at Holyrood.

It follows recent reports that sexual harassment was a serious problem at Westminster.

Ms Sturgeon told Mr Macintosh she was deeply concerned about the reports from Westminster and that Holyrood must ensure it has robust procedures are in place to deal with any complaints.

She said: “We cannot and must not be complacent about the position at Holyrood. We need to do everything in our power to make sure that the Scottish Parliament is a workplace where there is zero tolerance of such unacceptable behaviours.”

Ms Sturgeon suggested a review of the current arrangements and for recommendations to be made to strengthen any areas of concern.

She added: “The existing Code of Conduct for MSPs is clear that it is unacceptable for MSPs to subject staff to sexual harassment. However, in light of these recent developments I would be grateful to learn what additional steps the Parliament might consider taking to strengthen the level of reassurance for staff and all others who come into contact with Parliament.

“It may be that convening a cross party meeting would be one way to review the current arrangements and to offer recommendations on how these might be strengthened.”