ONLY two MPs in Oxfordshire confirmed they are taking part in an unconscious bias training offered by the House of Commons aimed at rooting out racist, sexist and homophobic attitudes in Parliament.

The workshop, which aims to tackle personal prejudices, has existed for parliamentary staff since 2016 and is now being piloted for MPs too.

Labour MP for Oxford East Anneliese Dodds revealed she has already taken the 'thought-provoking' course, while Oxford West and Abingdon's Lib Dem MP Layla Moran confirmed she is currently going through it.

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Explaining how it can benefit MPs Ms Dodds commented: "I found it a helpful experience, particularly when it comes to thinking through recruitment practices."

But this was not the attitude that Tory MPs in the county had.

Witney MP Robert Courts, who only very recently booked a spot for the mandatory anti-sexual harassment and bullying training more than a year after it was introduced, said he will 'consider' other trainings.

He commented: "I am booked on the Valuing Everyone training session scheduled to take place shortly and, once completed, I will consider whether to book a place on any future voluntary training offered by the House."

Oxford Mail:

Wantage MP David Johnston, who is not undertaking the anti-racism workshop, said the evidence of it being effective is 'mixed'.

The Conservative MP said: "I have not been asked to do unconscious bias training yet but if I am asked I will do it.

"Having worked with more than 200 employers before becoming an MP, I am very used to seeing it in operation, although I have to say the evidence of it being effective is mixed."

His party colleagues MP for Banbury Victoria Prentis and MP for Henley John Howell did not respond to our requests for comment on the training.

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Mr Howell has also not attended the Valuing Everyone sessions according to a Freedom of Information request by the Oxford Mail.

This follows reports that up to 40 Tory MPs are expected to refuse to go through the unconscious bias training, according to The Times.

These are not compulsory, and the pilot is expected to be completed very soon.