Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to help tackle intimidatory practices by trade unions when on strike.

The Government is clear that there is no place for intimidation in any workplace. Our trade union legislation provides for picketing to lawfully take place, but this picketing must be peaceful and those on picket lines must not harass or intimidate workers that choose to attend work. The Code of Practice on Picketing remains in effect and this will continue to be the case.

In the event of non-striking workers being intimidated or harassed, there is a wide range of criminal and civil sanctions that are applicable in this area including in common law and in various acts of Parliament.