Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill

Richard Graham Excerpts

2nd reading
Monday 16th January 2023 Commons Chamber

[Amy Callaghan (East Dunbartonshire) (SNP)]

rose—

[Richard Graham (Gloucester) (Con)]

rose—

[Grant Shapps]

I have given way once to the hon. and learned Member for Edinburgh South West (Joanna Cherry), so I give way to my hon. Friend the Member for Gloucester (Richard Graham).

--- Later in debate ---

[Richard Graham]

My right hon. Friend is under a constant onslaught of noise from Opposition Members, who show terrific support for those in the unions in their constituencies and for those in the unions funding their constituency offices, but who seem to forget the interests of all our constituents, which are in the minimum service level agreements that my right hon. Friend is proposing. Ultimately, what people in our constituencies need to know, whether or not we know them, is that in those six sectors a minimum service will be provided regardless of the right of people in the sector to hold back their labour on a pay negotiation or for any other reason. [Interruption.] That is a reasonable proposition, and we should be heard. [Hon. Members: “Speech!”]

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Rosie Winterton)]

Order. Before the Secretary of State answers the hon. Gentleman, I remind the House that it is important that we use moderation in our language and that we do not impugn the motives of others. That is not how we want the debate to continue. It is an important subject, so let us try to introduce moderation into our discussion.