REGARDING your report headlined 'MP Pope defies Whips over fire strike Bill' (LET, May 10, it goes on to tell us that a miserly 27 Labour backbenchers voted against the former "left wing trade unionist" now Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott's Fire Services Bill.
Although Hyndburn's MP Greg Pope abstained rather than vote against the Bill, at least he had the commitment to explain his actions and why he could not support legislation which imposes a pay settlement and bans the fire-fighters from striking.
Far more explanations are needed from our parliamentary representatives before this legislation becomes law. This is an attack on human and trade union rights that even Margaret Thatcher and 18 years of Tory rule shied away from.
Some of us believe that period left us with enough draconian anti-union laws without this government giving us any more.
Explanations are required from our MPs on not only where they stand -- for or against? -- but why they agree with the Government imposing a settlement on our fire-fighters.
Would they also agree the same treatment for workers in the NHS, local government, railways etc?
COUN DON RISHTON, Wensley Fold Ward, Blackburn with Darwen Council.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article