Sunday Trading (London Olympic Games and Paralympic Games) Bill [Lords]

Mike Gapes Excerpts

Monday 30th April 2012 Commons Chamber

[Vince Cable]

We have heard many negative interventions, expressing worry about the impact, but for most people, whether they be workers or consumers, the Bill provides wider opportunities. I am grateful to the hon. Lady for stressing an obvious, but much-neglected point in the debate.

[Mike Gapes (Ilford South) (Lab/Co-op)]

Will the Secretary of State tell us what legal advice he has had about what will happen if, in the period between now and the Olympics, someone decides to mount a legal challenge? Will that lead to a delay in implementation, or will it go ahead regardless?

[Vince Cable]

I do not know whether the hon. Gentleman is talking about a legal challenge to the Government, or a legal challenge to an individual employer. If the latter, there will no wider ramifications.

[Mike Gapes]

Both.

[Vince Cable]

Well, if the trade unions or others wish to make legal challenges, applying for a judicial review or through any other mechanisms, they are perfectly entitled to do so. We are not aware of any significant problem in that respect, but we will wait to see what happens.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mike Gapes]

Will my hon. Friend say to those people who will be affected by these measures that, even if the Government get this appalling legislation through, our party will resist any erosion of the rights of retail workers in this country and that we will fight tooth and nail to ensure that the Government will not make this a long-term change?

[Mr Umunna]

I am happy to be able to give the assurance that we certainly would not support any permanent change to the current regime.