'Low-key' debate on social policy attacked
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.(First Edition)
THE GOVERNMENT came under fire yesterday for relegating a debate on its response to the European Union green paper on social policy to a low-key committee meeting rather than have it discussed on the floor of the House of Commons, writes Patricia Wynn Davies.
Ann Clwyd, Labour's European employment spokeswoman, said she was 'horrified at this lack of proper scrutiny of European legislation'. The paper covers social issues including equal opportunities, race discrimination, part-time workers and parental leave.
European Standing Committee B, which considered it yesterday, was created by Parliament to exercise greater scrutiny over EU legislation, but Mrs Clwyd said the importance of the paper merited a debate on the floor of the House.
Michael Forsyth, minister of state for employment, reiterated that the Government would turn down the opportunity to apply for EU grants worth pounds 500m for retraining workers at risk of losing their jobs through technological change.
He added that the Government was seeking legal advice on the recent Law Lords' ruling on part-time workers' rights. That conflicts with a report earlier this week that the Department of Employment agreed with the Equal Opportunities Commission that tens of thousands of workers could make legal claims dating back to 1976.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments