The SNP has challenged the Labour party to commit to devolving employment laws to Holyrood.
It follows Labour’s silence on legislation like the EU Retained Law Bill and the Anti-Strike Bill – both of which throw employment rights and other protections out the window, and is the latest in many power grabs by Westminster from the democratically elected Scottish Parliament.
The SNP has previously written to Sir Keir Starmer, offering to work alongside him to oppose such legislation and to discuss the possibility of devolving employment powers to Scotland.
Unfortunately, the party is yet to receive a reply.
David Linden MP, the SNP’s social justice spokesperson, has warned that if Sir Keir Starmer fails to consider devolving employment laws to Holyrood, “people in Scotland won’t take him or his party seriously”.
Commenting, David Linden MP said:
“The Labour party have worked hand-in-glove with the Tories to block the devolution of employment law to Scotland for years.
“However, with draconian legislation like the EU Retained Law Bill and the Anti-Strike Bill passed through the UK Parliament earlier this year, it’s clear that protecting workers’ rights is more important than ever.
“If senior Labour politicians are serious about tackling employment issues, then they should commit to devolving employment law to Holyrood immediately.
“Failure to do so will mean people in Scotland won’t take him or his party seriously – and rightly so.
“While the SNP will always stand up for workers’ rights against Westminster attacks, ultimately, Scotland needs the full powers of independence to guarantee, protect and strengthen those rights.”
