L

Lord Hendy (Lab)

Speaking in the House of Lords on 10 December 2025

Debate

Employment Rights Bill

Contribution

I am coming to the conclusion. The Trade Union Act 1913 changed the definition of a trade union to allow it legitimately to spend funds on other objects beyond industrial relations and, if approved by a ballot of the members, a union could have a political fund to be used for specified political purposes. Each member had to be given the opportunity to opt out of payment of that part of the subscription earmarked for the political fund. That was the compromise. In seeking to maintain, in this Bill, the outdated compromise of 1913, the Government have gone further than they needed. What they should have done—and what they could do, if objection is still maintained—is repeal the modern form of the 1913 Act and allow unions, like all other clubs, corporations, partnerships and co-ops—

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