Member

I reiterate, as we have in previous debates, that we are not removing choice. New members who opted in are doing so on the basis that they are actively joining a voluntary organisation that has structures to determine policy and action, and a political fund that has already been established via a democratic ballot of its members. Once part of the union, these members have control over how the political fund is used through the same democratic structures, including on questions of union affiliation or financial support to political parties. That is absolutely clear. We have been very clear, too, to be careful to draft the Bill to ensure that, at the point of joining, every new member will be clearly informed on their application form that they have the right to opt out of contributing to that political fund.