Government rushes Bill through Parliament - "an insult to prison officers" says MP

Hemel Hempstead MP Mike Penning has condemned the Government for rushing its Criminal Justice Bill through Parliament yesterday.

A raft of amendments was steamrollered through at breakneck speed to ensure that the Government U-turn on the rights of prison officers to strike was passed in time.

Speaking in the chamber of the House of Commons, Mike told MPs:
“As a trade unionist, I am worried about the speed at which the Secretary of State is trying to push the new clause through.

“We have 58 minutes to debate the union rights of the prison workers of this country. Surely there must be another mechanism. Loads of Members from all parties wanted to discuss the matter. Is not 58 minutes an insult to prison officers?”

Speaking afterwards Mike said:
“The whole purpose of Parliament is to scrutiny the laws of this country. This sort of behaviour from the Government makes a mockery of the whole process. People’s lives will be affected by these new laws and it is only right and proper that there should be a full debate.”

Mike Penning (Hemel Hempstead) (Con): I thank the Secretary of State for being so generous in giving way.

We are considering a serious issue. As a trade unionist, I am worried about the speed at which the Secretary of State is trying to push the new clause through. We have 58 minutes to debate the union rights of the prison workers of this country. Surely there must be another mechanism. Loads of Members from all parties wanted to discuss the matter. Is not 58 minutes an insult to prison officers?

Mr. Straw: I do not believe that it is an insult. Were we starting from scratch, the hon. Gentleman’s point might be justified, but the new clause is no surprise.

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