Exiting the EU and Workers’ Rights

Debate between Chris Stephens and Anna Soubry

Monday 7th November 2016 Commons Chamber

[Chris Stephens (Glasgow South West) (SNP)]

Does the right hon. Lady not appreciate that many of us had to argue that case because trade unions used EU law to get victories for their workers in court?

[Anna Soubry]

Yes, but the unions did not need to use EU law—that was the point. This country has rights through common law and in statute; it was just not a problem. I am somewhat concerned and slightly agitated about this matter. The very firm words from our excellent Secretary of State—I was delighted when he was appointed to his job—could not have been clearer. He said that all the rights that we have by virtue of our membership of the EU will be transferred into substantive British law. Which part of that do Opposition Members not understand? My right hon. Friend could not have been clearer. I absolutely do take his word, and indeed the Government’s word, on this. In many ways, this is a bit of an otiose debate—if I can put it in those terms—because I have no fear that any of the rights that have been accrued over decades by virtue of our membership of the EU will be diminished.

BHS

Debate between Chris Stephens and Anna Soubry

Monday 25th April 2016 Commons Chamber

[Chris Stephens (Glasgow South West) (SNP)]

Thank you very much, Mr Speaker!

I welcome what the Minister has said about the positive role that can be played in the trade union, and I look forward to further discussion on Wednesday, but will her Department write to the administrators and BHS to ensure that the company is complying with the law and avoiding mistakes made by other companies in the past, when employees have been put at the back of the queue of creditors?

[Anna Soubry]

I have complete confidence in the administrators, and I am sure that they will comply fully with all the requirements that are made of them.