Unite, the UK’s leading union, has welcomed the scope of the government’s ambition following the publication of today’s Kings Speech. It is clear that Britian needs a Labour government. However, Labour must also be ready to meet the economic challenges and to deliver the change workers and communities need.

 

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “The King’s Speech is packed full of measures which will begin transforming the UK for the better. The King’s Speech shows why Britain needs a Labour Government. The forthcoming employment rights bill is key to rebalancing the relationship between employers and workers, making work fairer. As always, the detail will be important.’

 

“Given the sheer scale of the challenge facing the government after a decade and a half of neglect, Labour has to be ready to deliver the transformation and change that workers and communities need.

 

“The NHS and our public services are on their knees, staff are leaving in droves and our infrastructure is crumbling, substantial investment will be needed to tackle the cliff edge we face. That fact is undeniable.

 

“Now is not the time for the government to be straitjacketed by self-made fiscal rules, leaving us entirely reliant on growth, which may not arrive in time.

 

“There is no doubt that the UK has been given hope and the opportunity for tangible change by electing a Labour government. Unite is already seeing that in our initial discussions with key ministers.

 

“Britain is broken and hurting, we have no time to waste. We have one shot to deliver for workers and communities. We have to make it count."

 

ENDS

Notes to editors:

For media enquiries ONLY please contact Unite senior communications advisor Barckley Sumner on 07802 329235.

Email: barckley.sumner@unitetheunion.org

Twitter: @unitetheunion Facebook: unitetheunion1 Instagram: unitetheunion Web: unitetheunion.org

Unite is the UK and Ireland’s leading union fighting to protect and advance jobs, pay and conditions for members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.