Scotland Bill

Debate between Ian Lavery and Eilidh Whiteford

Monday 9th November 2015 Commons Chamber

[Dr Whiteford]

I will not give way because I am conscious of time and we have a lot of amendments to get through.

It is inevitable that Governments will face tough negotiations with employee representatives from time to time, and there will sometimes be disagreements, but we should not lose sight of the enormously beneficial role that trade unions have played in the past and the present day in encouraging fair work and wages, good employment practices and improved working environments.

[Ian Lavery (Wansbeck) (Lab)]

What happened to the great trade union saying, “Workers of the world unite”?

[Dr Whiteford]

The hon. Gentleman should address that question to the STUC, because it is the one calling for the devolution of these powers.