Trade Union Bill

The Trade Union Bill had its second reading in the House of Commons on 14 September.

This bill will diminish workers' right to strike and, among other things, cap the time public sector representatives can spend working on behalf of their members. These changes to the law will set back employees' rights which were hard won over decades. It is a clear attack by the Government on the trade union movement.

I voted against the bill. Unfortunately, the Government's majority allowed it to pass and it will now go forward to committee stage for further scrutiny. My Labour colleagues and I will continue to fight this bill at every stage.

Many of the most damaging aspects of the legislation will be laid in regulations which limit the opportunity for the opposition to vote against them in Parliament.