16 January 2023 , 19:08
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Rishi Sunak tonight faces a growing backlash against "a sacking of nurses bill" forcing striking workers to "betray their mates".
"Draconian" new laws allowing the Government to set minimum staffing levels during public service walkouts were branded "irrational and so insulting” by opponents.
In a tense House of Commons debate, Labour Deputy Leader Angela Rayner fumed: "I've been a member of this House for some seven years and I can't recall a measure that's at once so irrational and so insulting.
"Not only is it a vindictive assault on basic freedoms of British working people, but this legislation is as empty of detail as it's full of holes.
"We will oppose the sacking of nurses bill, and not just nurses but many of the key workers who we clapped and who kept our services going."
Teachers, civil servants and train drivers walk out in biggest strike in decade
Ms Rayner vowed that a Labour government would repeal the controversial Strikes (Minimum Services) Bill if it passes into law.
Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner branded the bill 'vindictive' (PA)As MPs debated the bill, hundreds of protesters - including RMT boss Mick Lynch - gathered outside Downing Street to voice their anger.
Banners proclaimed that key workers were being "betrayed" - and Mr Sunak faces opposition from his own party as well.
Tory MP Stephen McPartland wrote before the vote: "I will vote against this shameful bill today.
"It does nothing to stop strikes - but individual NHS Staff, teachers & workers can be targeted & sacked if they don’t betray their mates. Fine the unions if they won’t provide minimum service levels but don’t sack individuals."
Paul Nowak, general secretary of the TUC, fumed: “Make no mistake – this bill is a fundamental attack on the right to strike that will force workers across the public sector to cross picket lines or face the sack.
RMT boss Mick Lynch was among the demonstrators at this evening's protest (Getty Images)“And it will do nothing to solve the current disputes across the economy – but only make matters worse.
“This draconian legislation is undemocratic, unworkable and almost certainly illegal."
Business Secretary Grant Shapps claimed unions are responsible for ensuring public safety.
He said: "It is not the case that the strikes are in all cases perfectly safe for our own constituents.
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"That's why we must act and unions must take reasonable steps to ensure the members do not participate in strikes if they'd been named on a work notice.
Business Secretary Grant Shapps defended the government's plans (PA Wire)"It's up to unions to ensure public safety and not put lives at risk. Only if they fail to do so could they face civil action in court.
"The Government, unions and employers and workers have a role to play in ensuring essential services continue even during strikes, and that is what we are ensuring.
"This approach is balanced, it's reasonable and, above all, it is fair."
He claimed that the government will "always defend the principle that workers should be able to withdraw their labour".