The ex-cabinet minister made the comments in response to questions about Mr Raab's alleged treatment of civil servants subject to an independent investigation ordered by Rishi Sunak. "I think we've got to be slightly careful about the bullying allegations," he told Sky News. "We mustn't be too snowflakey about it. People need to be able to say this job has not been done well enough and needs to be done better."
Mr Rees-Mogg said bullying was a "very difficult line to judge" and "not a straightforward issue in most cases". He added: "Is it reasonable to demand from senior and well-paid professionals a level of good service? And then you have to judge whether that line has been overstepped. But I do worry we're getting a bit snowflakey about this."
Dave Penman, general secretary of the FDA union, which represents senior officials, accused him of "trivialising bullying", saying: "Even by Rees-Mogg's standards this is outrageous". The union leader added: "A former leader of the House, trivialising bullying that we know has ruined lives and careers. Not only should he be ashamed of himself, but his leader and party should distance themselves from this."
Denne historien er fra February 01, 2023-utgaven av The Independent.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra February 01, 2023-utgaven av The Independent.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Eubank Jr may still land the fight that everybody wants
A career spent in one of boxing’s heaviest shadows could be defined by a blockbuster bout with rival Conor Benn in 2025
English clubs must rise to challenge of tight schedules
Arsenal, Chelsea and City must battle on multiple fronts
Ineos disruptors may decide to end Ten Hag's torment
United manager’s future is in the balance at today’s meeting
One-nil to City? Club lands blow on league in legal fight
Tribunal finds some rules to be in breach of competition law but panel backs broad principles around financial fair play
Madrid mulls earlier dinner hours to cater for tourists
The populist politician Isabel Diaz Ayuso wants to draw more visitors to the city by opening restaurants earlier. But locals may not find the change so appetising, writes Graham Keeley
I have been changed by the shocking number of bodies
A paramedic in Gaza reveals the terrible toll that trying to save lives in a warzone has taken on him and his colleagues
'We don't even have gloves'
NHS medics in Gaza tell Bel Trew about the severe lack of supplies in a health system that has practically collapsed’
Families of hostages protest outside Netanyahu's home
A year after the Hamas attacks, relatives of those held in Gaza continue their vigil, reports Bel Trew from Jerusalem ane
Gen Z mortgage payments double those of older buyers
High interest rates and rising house prices mean Generation Z are facing mortgage payments twice as high as the generations before them, new analysis has shown.
Former Met Police officer Carrick charged with rape
Former Metropolitan Police officer David Carrick is facing charges of sex offences against two women, including rape and sexual assault.