Member

Turning to the amendments, given that the Government’s apparent priority is growth, new clause 87 is an essential addition. Many of the powers in the Bill will be implemented through regulations, which, clearly, the House, employers and employees do not have any details of. The approach again shows the rushed nature of the legislation. Commonly, throughout the passage of other Bills, the regulations would be passed in draft while the clauses implementing them were considered. That has not happened in this case, so it is therefore wholly sensible to require that when making regulations, Ministers must have regard to the international competitiveness of the economy. As hon. Members know, the Government inherited the fastest-growing economy in the G7, but since then, what has happened? Their actions and words have stopped growth stone dead. As well as competitiveness, it is essential that the Government take into account economic growth in the medium and long term.