Government's 'sacking of nurses bill' would make 'Henry VIII turn in his grave'
Henry VIII would "spin in his grave" in astonishment at the government's controversial "sacking of nurses bill", MPs have been told.
Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner this evening accused ministers of "going from clapping workers to sacking workers" by rushing anti-strike laws through Parliament.
She voiced her fury over new legislation which would allow the government to set minimum service levels if workers such as nurses and ambulance workers go on strike.
Critics warn the "undemocratic, unworkable and almost certainly illegal" bill will only serve to escalate disputes and undermine the right to strike.
Addressing the House of Commons Ms Rayner fumed: "Members opposite should be very concerned about what this Government is trying to do.
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Angela Rayner described the government bill as an 'attack on our basic British freedoms' (PA)"Henry VIII would spin in his grave and be absolutely, you know, astonished that we're even trying to do this type of thing in this modern day."
The remark came after Labour backbencher Barry Gardiner said the government is "authorising employers to do what not even a court in this country can do".
The government is desperately floundering under the weight of industrial action by key workers - with firefighters today joining NHS medics, rail staff and civil servants in voting for strikes.
Ms Rayner said: "This bill is an attack on our basic British freedoms... It's from a Prime Minister who's desperately out of his depth, desperately blaming working people for his own failures."
Protesters descended on Downing Street as MPs debated the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill - which would force workers to cross the picket line or face sanctions.
Hundreds of protesters gathered outside Downing Street to rally against the bill (PA)Hundreds of banner-waving demonstrators rallied against the bill, with RMT assistant secretary general John Leach telling the crowd: "They've picked a fight with the wrong people.
"We will not be shackled, we will not be tied down."
In the chamber, Ms Rayner's remarks got support from an unexpected source, with former Tory minister Jacob Rees-Mogg hitting out at the vague wording of the bill.
Mr Rees-Mogg said: "What the honourable lady said about Henry VIII clauses is absolutely spot on.
"Indeed, I hope that should the socialists ever be in government in future they will remember what she said because skeleton bills and Henry VIII clauses are bad parliamentary and constitutional practice."
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Last week, while at the World Economic Forum in Davos, ILO director general Gilbert Houngbo reportedly expressed concern about the Government's plans.
MPs are debating the controversial legislation in the House of Commons (PA)Union TUC's general secretary Paul Nowak said: "The Government is trying to keep MPs in the dark about the draconian nature of this Bill.
"But make no mistake - this legislation will give ministers sweeping new powers to restrict the right to strike.
"The Government must not be allowed to duck scrutiny. This spiteful legislation would mean that when workers democratically vote to strike, they can be forced to work and sacked if they don't comply.
"The Minimum Service Levels Bill is undemocratic, unworkable and almost certainly illegal, and crucially it will likely poison industrial relations and exacerbate disputes rather than help resolve them.
"It is shameful that parliamentarians are being forced to vote blindly on such far-reaching new laws. We urge MPs from all parties to vote against this nasty Bill."
The government argues that the move is necessary in order to protect the public, despite unions themselves agreeing to ensure emergency cover during recent NHS strikes.
A government spokesperson said: "We must keep the public safe, which is why we are introducing minimum service and safety levels across a range of sectors to ensure that lives and livelihoods are not lost."
The Government will publish an impact assessment of the legislation "in due course".
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