Revealed: right-wing plans to scrap workers' rights after Brexit

The revelation came when Labour MPs put forward an amendment to the Bill requiring that after Brexit, any change to employment rights (and protections for consumers and the environment) would need primary legislation and proper scrutiny by Parliament. New Clause 58 moved by Labour Shadow Minister Matthew Pennycook was voted down by a majority of just 12 (one of the government's narrowest victories so far) but the issue will come back before MPs later in the process.

Ken Clarke asked what the problem was with the proposed amendment. The Prime Minister and several of her Cabinet colleagues have promised that workers' rights will be protected and enhanced by their government. So why wouldn't they accept a proposal to stop Ministers taking away our rights by the back door, through undebated manoeuvres or regulations?

The former Cabinet Minister asked why, if the Government did not intend to water down workers’ rights after Brexit, ministers were not prepared to enshrine this in the Bill by backing the amendment. Addressing the Minister, Solicitor General Robert Buckland, he said:

“There are members of the present Government who are not excessively fond of lizards and bats and/or of workers' rights, and we could be all reassured if he will undertake to put on the face of the bill reduced formal powers.”

The only conclusion we can draw is that some Conservatives - including Ministers - are indeed planning to use Brexit as an opportunity to restrict or scrap working people's rights, like paid holidays, equal pay, health and safety of rights for agency and temporary workers.

And yet Theresa May is today in Sweden at the Gothenburg Social Summit where European leaders are expected to sign up to a 'European Pillar of Social Rights' to improve rights for zero hours workers, parents and others.

TUC General Secretary Frances O'Grady called on the PM to take the opportunity to "win back workers’ trust by signing up to stronger rights for UK workers at the summit.

“She must reassure working people that a level playing field for workers’ rights will be written into the Brexit deal. Britain’s workers must not be left to fall behind the rest of Europe when future improvements are made."