Speaking after Gordon Brown’s first Parliamentary programme was laid out in the Queen’s Speech, Grahame Smith, Scottish TUC General Secretary, said:
“We welcome the Pensions Bill but it is essential that those in low-paid employment are not adversely affected by the provisions of the Bill. It is this group of workers for whom contributions would have a drastic effect on their income.
“In relation to the Human Tissue and Embryology Bill, we urge the Government and Parliament to resist any pressure to reduce the time limits that currently apply to abortion.
“Our continuing concerns at the Government’s approach to the issue of terrorism are heightened by the proposals contained in the Counter-Terrorism Bill to extend detention of terror suspects to 56 days. Some of the draconian measures currently in place relating to detention have, we believe, been counter productive in creating a more secure and safer society
Grahame Smith added
“We are disappointed that a Single Equality Bill and a timetable for delivery of improved anti-discrimination legislation and enforcement were not included in this Queen’s Speech and we look for early action from the Government to honour this manifesto commitment.”
ENDS
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