SDLP Leader and Member of Parliament for Foyle Colum Eastwood MP has spoken out against the British Government's new Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill, which would allow bosses in critical public services to sack and sue employees who take strike action.

Speaking in the House of Commons today, Colum Eastwood MP said:

"I know that the Secretary of State likes to fly around in his own private plane, but I can tell him for a fact, whilst he's been doing that, nurses in my constituency, many of them, have been accessing food banks.

"This government seems very uncomfortable with nurses standing on picket lines but totally relaxed about them lining up at food banks. If this government is serious about stopping the strikes, surely now is the time, Secretary of State, to pay these essential workers properly.

After the debate, Colum Eastwood MP said:

“The SDLP stands squarely behind workers and their right to strike. It is time that essential workers who have been forced into striking by this Tory government are given the fair pay and working conditions they deserve.

“SDLP MPs will fight this anti-worker, anti-union bill and oppose it at every opportunity.”