Business secretary Grant Shapps has accused Labour and other opposition parties of "putting lives at risk" by planning to vote against the government's anti-strike legislation.
The government is being accused of attempting to "steamroller" through its restrictions on strikes in six key sectors, amid mounting anger over the "spiteful" measure.
Labour and the Liberal Democrats oppose the bill, aimed at enforcing minimum levels of service during industrial action. But the former Tory home secretary Priti Patel said the bill did not go far enough and called on the government to widen the list of sectors involved.
It came as teachers in the National Education Union (NEU) announced a 1 February walkout across England and Wales, followed by localised strikes on other dates, while nurses are to stage another two-day strike on 6 and 7 February.
Mr Shapps told Politico that it was "frankly irresponsible for opposition MPs to put the lives of their constituents at risk by voting against this bill today, which is why public polling shows that the public supports our common-sense measure".
The business secretary insisted that the Tory government "will always protect the right to withdraw labour ... this overdue legislation will bring us into line with our European neighbours by providing minimum safety and service levels designed to protect lives".
Bu hikaye The Independent dergisinin January 17, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye The Independent dergisinin January 17, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Harry is trying to shed his royal skin – but he is a man who can't escape his past
The sight of Harry flying in, but unable to see his father will have saddened many. But, embarking on a ‘mini royal tour' in Nigeria isn't going to heal family rifts
Naive Burnley counts cost of mistakes with relegation
Some predictions don't stand the test of time. It is a little over a year since Pep Guardiola declared it was Vincent Kompany's destiny to manage Manchester City.
Anderson confirms he will retire after first Lord's Test
Over and out: England's greatest bowler will bow out at the home of cricket
Double delight for Gvardiol as City cruise into top spot
One game closer for Manchester City, one match down as they seek to not just retain the Premier League but end the campaign with a domestic double.
Bailed Modi rival calls for India to resist 'dictatorship'
Hours after India's apex court granted bail to Delhi's chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday, the opposition leader launched an attack against the ruling Modi government, urging voters in the ongoing general election to bring an end to \"dictatorship\".
Two men arrested after pair die in Wolverhampton fire
Two women in their twenties have died in a house fire in Wolverhampton, police have confirmed, and two men, aged 19 and 22, have been arrested on suspicion of murder.
Fraudster's broken marriage 'made him human butcher'
Marius Gustavson sought 'empowerment' in a subculture centred around male castration, a court heard
The manor house in Sussex that became a club for spies
After long enjoying hosting Russian diplomats, the pile was recently stripped of its special status, much to the relief of the locals, who have warned of suspicious activity for years
Met Office storm warning after hottest day of the year
Bournemouth yesterday enjoyed warm and dry weather but faces possible storms today
Wembley roar! Earps can be United's silverware saviour
Manchester United face Spurs in the FA Cup final - and all eyes will be on the England keeper, writes Jamie Braidwood