EU Exit: End of Transition Period Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office

EU Exit: End of Transition Period

Chris Stephens Excerpts
Wednesday 23rd September 2020

(3 years, 7 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Michael Gove Portrait Michael Gove
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Yes. My hon. Friend is a brilliant advocate for the people of Consett and the whole of his constituency. There will not be an extension.

Chris Stephens Portrait Chris Stephens (Glasgow South West) (SNP)
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In the worst-case scenario that the Secretary of State outlined, on the basis of no employment Bill, which the Government had committed to, and the European Union looking to strengthen workers’ rights for zero-hours contract workers, agency workers and those workers susceptible to short-term shift changes, are the Government still committed to at least matching the employment protections of the European Union?

Michael Gove Portrait Michael Gove
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It is a good question from the hon. Gentleman. He has a distinguished background in the trade union movement and elsewhere in defending workers’ rights, and I pay tribute to him for his work in that area. Yes, we want to ensure that we protect workers’ rights. We will always look at what the EU and other jurisdictions are doing to see where we can match and, where possible, exceed the protections offered.