Trade Union Bill

Debate between Lord Monks and Lord Collins of Highbury

Wednesday 10th February 2016 Lords Chamber

[Lord Leigh of Hurley]

Indeed, as I have said. We do not know where a very large proportion of it—46%—goes; it goes on political activity.

[Lord Collins of Highbury]

The trade union movement in this country is one of the most highly regulated in the world. It is required to submit an annual return to the Certification Officer. Every single penny that is held in trust of the membership is accounted for in that annual return. Every single penny is also recorded in the published annual report. This is far more transparent than any private company that donates to the Conservative Party. As I said, that is money that it may spend on political purposes. It does not have to. It could be for a campaign for civil liberties or voter registration, or a campaign against racists and fascists—and for safety at work, and lots of other things.

[Lord Monks]

Or supporting a Conservative Member of Parliament.