Business of the House

Debate between Jacob Rees-Mogg and Hugh Gaffney

Tuesday 22nd October 2019 Commons Chamber

[Mr Rees-Mogg]

I am reluctant to quibble with my right hon. Friend, but Dante cannot always be relied on for the theology of the Catholic Church.

[Hugh Gaffney (Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill) (Lab)]

I am a new pupil, so perhaps Mr Speaker can help me. As we are now back to the Queen’s Speech, which amendments will be selected? What about amendment (b) on the TV licence?

[Mr Rees-Mogg]

Fortunately, the matter of selecting amendments does not fall to me. It falls to wiser heads.

Business of the House

Debate between Jacob Rees-Mogg and Hugh Gaffney

Thursday 17th October 2019 Commons Chamber

[Mr Rees-Mogg]

I am more than happy to say that this deal is worth wholehearted and full-throated support from across the United Kingdom. It is a deal that delivers for the whole United Kingdom. It ensures that we will leave the European Union lock, stock and barrel. It makes special arrangements for Northern Ireland in relation to the Good Friday/Belfast agreement and the fact that there is a land border there between the United Kingdom and the European Union. Those special arrangements support and help the United Kingdom, and the opportunities for the United Kingdom outside the European Union are extraordinarily exciting. This is well worth supporting, and I would encourage the DUP to support it too.

[Hugh Gaffney (Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill) (Lab)]

This week, the Communication Workers Union made history when it voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action against Royal Mail: 97% voted in favour of strike action on a turnout of 76%, defying the undemocratic Trade Union Act 2016. Will the Leader of the House stand with those postal workers as they fight for their jobs and terms and conditions, and against a proposed sale of Parcelforce? Can we have a debate on scrapping the Trade Union Act, which seems to undermine the right to strike in the UK?

[Mr Rees-Mogg]

May I begin by paying tribute to people who work for Royal Mail? We are enormously well served by the service we have in this country. Actually, particularly in this House we are very well served by the postmen and postwomen who look after us. The issue of strike action is one where the Government expect both parties to engage in mediation and proper discussions. It is ultimately a matter between Royal Mail and the Communication Workers Union. However, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy is working with Royal Mail to understand its plans and to provide advice where appropriate. The Government are doing what they can, but it is essentially a matter between the two parties. I hope that it will be settled because we all want to get our Christmas cards.

Business of the House

Debate between Jacob Rees-Mogg and Hugh Gaffney

Thursday 3rd October 2019 Commons Chamber

[Mr Rees-Mogg]

No, not at all. The Government always comply with court rulings, and the DWP will do that, as always.

[Hugh Gaffney (Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill) (Lab)]

It has been reported that Royal Mail is looking to recruit a director to run its UK operations. I would suggest that the next director stand with postal workers on protecting jobs and terms and conditions, and opposing the selling off of Parcelforce. Does the Leader of the House agree, and will he ask the relevant Minister to make a statement to that effect on the selling off of Parcelforce?

[Mr Rees-Mogg]

I am afraid that I think private companies must make their own decisions.

Business of the House

Debate between Jacob Rees-Mogg and Hugh Gaffney

Wednesday 25th September 2019 Commons Chamber

[Mr Rees-Mogg]

I am very sorry that the hon. Gentleman did not manage to understand the Prime Minister; that is unfortunate. The point of a Queen’s speech is for setting out the Government’s programme, which we have to do because we have not got a general election. If there were to have been the general election, on the motions that we tabled twice in September, we would have had a Queen’s speech opening a new Parliament, not just a new Session. I would have thought that was rather obvious and straightforward.

[Hugh Gaffney (Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill) (Lab)]

In every constituency, ballots are arriving today for Royal Mail workers who are set to take industrial action unless Royal Mail Group sticks to its promises made on jobs, terms and conditions and drops its plans to sell off Parcelforce. I stand with the Communication Workers Union and the postal workers and I am pleased that the Labour party stands in solidarity with them. Does the Leader of the House support the postal workers, and will the Government make a statement on that fact?

[Mr Rees-Mogg]

The hon. Gentleman may raise these matters in many ways. Details of how to apply for Adjournment debates have been posted on the Annunciator and he could apply for one of those. We have already discussed Backbench Business debate. I do hope that as we get closer to Christmas, postal workers will not think of going on strike and causing misery to families. I think that is always a great shame, and that it would be unfortunate if that were to happen, but there are parliamentary opportunities to discuss the matter.

Business of the House

Debate between Jacob Rees-Mogg and Hugh Gaffney

Thursday 5th September 2019 Commons Chamber

[Mr Rees-Mogg]

I know that this issue concerns many people, and the Government have a particular concern for animal welfare. In the new Session of Parliament there may well be time to have a debate on it.

[Hugh Gaffney (Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill) (Lab)]

Royal Mail Group is trying to sell off Parcelforce as a separate business. Communication workers will be ready to strike and take action. With an election possibly coming up, will there be a statement from the Government?

[Mr Rees-Mogg]

I am sure that no responsible person would go on strike to interrupt the democratic process of a general election.