Member

I turn to Amendment 240, tabled by my noble friend Lord Hendy. Secondary action is currently unlawful in the UK. Allowing it would enable parties with no direct stake in the dispute to take co-ordinated action, potentially escalating the industrial action. Widening the scope for picketing beyond an individual’s own place of work could increase the risk of disruption to employers and the public, and allow industrial disputes to escalate beyond their original context and across different employers. It would undermine the carefully balanced framework that protects both the rights of workers and the wider public interest. This could have a disproportionate impact on essential services and the wider economy, with significant consequences for all. I say to my noble friend that the ILO protects trade union activity. It does not grant an unrestricted right to secondary action. International law allows Governments to impose restrictions, where necessary, to protect the economy and maintain public order. I am very sorry to say that we cannot support his amendment.