“US now least reliable partner in NATO”, says MP Stephen Gethins
“The democracies of the world must work together”
SNP MP, and former professor of international relations at St Andrews University, Stephen Gethins says the USA is now the least reliable partner in the NATO alliance.
Speaking on Bylines Scotland Radio on 17 February, the MP said that the United States has dramatically changed the European security and defence environment.
He said there is a danger that Ukraine is hung out to dry by the US and Russia.
“The US is now the least reliable partner in NATO.”
Mr. Gethins compared current events in Ukraine with the appeasement of Germany in the run up to WW2, when the Nazis were allowed to take over large parts of what is now the Czech Republic.
Speaking about Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s forthcoming visit to President Trump, Gethins urged him to impress on Mr. Trump that the democracies of the world must work together.
“He should tell Donald Trump that if you believe you are a democrat you must work with your democratic partners. Not the Russians and the Chinese, who are bullies and aggressors. They don’t share our democratic values.“
Asked about Keir Starmer saying he was prepared to send UK troops to take part in peacekeeping in Ukraine, Gethins said: “You cannot possibly conceive it as the UK going it alone.”
Gethins believed it could not be a conventional peacekeeping force and argued it would have to act as a deterrent and be a multinational force. It could not be a NATO exercise. He suggested that putting together such an armed presence would have to overcome numerous political hurdles.
The MP argued that it is now imperative that the democracies of Europe, including the UK, Norway, and Ukraine who are not in the EU, unite to defend the continent from aggressors.
“No one individual state in Europe has the capacity to respond on its own to the threat from Russia. We must pull together as European democracies. That includes the UK getting over Brexit.”
He said Europe has the economic and manufacturing capacity to far outweigh that of Russia, but benefiting from those advantages means united action and the political and economic structures to enable that to happen.
The SNP politician argued that the UK can’t continue to be isolated from Europe, particularly given the unreliability of the US.
“The world of 2016, when the Brexit referendum took place, is not the world of today.”
He said security and defence are about much more than weapons and soldiers. There are vital issues like energy security and food supply.
“Because of EU cooperation, EU member states are now far more energy self-reliant.”
Gethins said that rising to the new defence challenges will be hard, but the UK rejoining the European Single Market and the Customs Union is the right thing to do.
“I’d rejoin the EU.” said the MP.
Towards the end of the interview, Gethins said we are now in a global political time when it is necessary that friends stick together.
“Ukraine is our friend. It is in desperate need of friends. We must stick with Ukraine.”
Stephen Gethins is a Vice President of the European Movement in Scotland and a Vice President of the European Movement UK.
Listen to the full interview on Bylines Scotland Radio.
Plans to transform the way social care is delivered are being progressed as part of the Scottish Government’s commitment to improve the experience of everyone who accesses social care, social work and community health services.
Ahead of Stage 2 proceedings of the National Care Service Bill later this month, a number of amendments have been lodged, all of which are subject to Parliament’s agreement.
As the National Care Service will now be established through both legislative and non-legislative means, with reform of social care at the centre it is proposed the Bill will be known as the “Care Reform (Scotland) Bill”.
If agreed by Parliament, as amended, the Bill will also bring forward significant reforms to social care, including:
Anne’s Law being enshrined into legislation to uphold the rights of people living in adult care homes to see loved ones and identify an essential care supporter
ensuring all those working in or supplying services to the health and social care sector follow the same information standards allowing easier communication
the creation of a National Chief Social Work Advisor post, in statute, to bring strategic leadership at a national level.
The Bill will also retain measures to establish a legal right to breaks for unpaid carers. Ahead of the legislation, the Scottish Government has identified an additional £5 million in the draft 2025-26 Budget to support 15,000 carers to take short breaks from their caring responsibilities.
Ministers announced in January that legislation to set up a new public body to oversee national improvements would no longer go ahead. However, work to establish a National Care Service Advisory Board is progressing and it is due to meet for the first time in March.
Social Care Minister Maree Todd said: ”Social care has the power to transform people lives, that is why it is so important that those accessing services receive the highest quality care, delivered consistently across Scotland.
“The amendments lodged in Parliament offer us the best opportunity to urgently get to work to reform the system and have a transformative impact on people’s lives.
“Positive progress is being made on establishing an advisory board that puts people with experience of the social care system at the heart of it, helping deliver the changes we all want to see.”
An essential care supporter is someone, for example close relatives or friends, who plays a vital role in providing their loved ones with regular care and support alongside staff. This includes companionship, personal support and advocacy.
Scottish Secretary confirms £2.6 million for V&A Dundee – investment on top of £20 million for Dundee regeneration projects
V&A Dundee is to receive £2.6 million in UK Government capital funding. The investment, to remodel and extend the Scottish Design Galleries, was announced yesterday by the Scottish Secretary on a visit to Scotland’s design museum.
Speaking after his visit, Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said: “It’s fantastic news that the UK Government is investing £2.6 million in V&A Dundee. It is a great attraction, right at the heart of Dundee’s waterfront, bringing great benefits to the city. This funding will help the museum celebrate the very best of Scottish design and make the experience for visitors even better.
“We have taken the necessary steps to mend our public finances in order to provide this funding and a record settlement for the Scottish Government, and I am very pleased that we are delivering this investment in this important national institution.
“At the Autumn Budget the Chancellor also confirmed £20 million for regeneration and growth projects in Dundee. In all, the UK Government is investing £1.4 billion in dozens of important local growth projects across Scotland over the next 10 years. This is a key part of the UK Government’s Plan for Change, growing our economy and improving living standards in all parts of the UK.”
Director of V&A Dundee, Leonie Bell, said: “We are delighted the UK Government has confirmed £2.6 million of funding for V&A Dundee, Scotland’s design museum, to undertake a bold transformation of the Scottish Design Galleries that will bring design to life for visitors, enabling even more people to engage with Scotland’s innovative design history and its continuing influence around the world.
“V&A Dundee is an incredible resource for people living in Dundee and Scotland, drawing visitors to the region, championing design and designers and helping to change the face of the city and contributing to economic, cultural and social growth.
“This new funding means we can expand the story of design from Scotland and celebrate the worldwide influence of Scottish design and designers, further enhancing the visitor experience at V&A Dundee.”
The Scottish Design Galleries are the heart of V&A Dundee. They feature more than 300 objects spanning around 500 years, telling the story of Scottish design’s enduring influence around the world. This additional investment, ahead of the museum’s 10-year anniversary in 2028, will help V&A Dundee boost its contribution to local economic growth, supporting jobs and driving visitors to Tayside.
In 2023 Dundee welcomed 1.35 million visits, an increase of more 50 per cent since before V&A Dundee opened. V&A Dundee is engaging with every school in the city and welcomed its two millionth visitor in 2024. The museum has created very significant economic impacts for the city.
Scottish politicians have been urged to listen to ‘marginalised’ voices within coastal communities, as part of a major multi-media touring exhibition showcased at the Scottish Parliament.
The Coastal Testimonies project features over 60 portraits of people all around Scotland about their first-hand experiences of Scotland’s inshore seas.
The exhibition has been commissioned and curated by the Our Seas Coalition, an alliance of 140+ coastal businesses, community groups, fishermen’s associations and environmental organisations who are campaigning for the environmental recovery of Scotland’s coastal marine environment and the revival of sustainable inshore fisheries.
The exhibition gives a voice to often marginalised and underrepresented perspectives, including a large proportion of fishermen, with an aim to uncover the issues that go unnoticed in areas of Scotland where the coast is not as engaged.
The exhibition also aims to give a platform to cultural knowledge on the coastal ecosystems and communities throughout Scotland. The exhibition which has so far toured venues in Stornoway, Eyemouth, Lochaline, Glasgow, Ullapool and Ardfern, arrives at Holyrood as the Scottish Government publicly consults on its Inshore Fisheries Management Improvement programme.
The Coastal Testimonies project has so far gathered testimonies from all eleven Scottish marine regions, including coastal businesses, marine conservationists, divers, commercial fishermen, sea anglers, local politicians, scientists, community groups, and those with recreational interests.
Portraits of each person are accompanied by a verbal testimony about their own connections to the sea, including moving witness-style accounts of environmental changes and reflections on sustainability and political decision-making.
Everyone in Scotland can participate in this #CoastalTestimonies project, by contributing a testimony of their own on the Our Seas website www.ourseas.scot.
A parliamentary reception featuring the exhibition was hosted by Rhoda Grant MSP and attended by politicians from all major parties, including acting Minister for Climate Action Alasdair Allan MSP. Copies of ‘Coastal Testimonies – Speaking up for Scotland’s seas’ were distributed to all 129 MSPs.
Speaking on behalf of the Our Seas Coalition at the Scottish Parliament, Alasdair Hughson, scallop diver and chair of the Scottish Creel Fishermen’s Federation said: “We need clear plans that acknowledge the public benefits and support for protecting our seas and safeguarding sustainable inshore fishing.
“This means urging government action and effective parliamentary scrutiny to make sure that such plans are implemented. This is why I implore our MSPs to take some time to read through the testimonies and consider the power of the voices within our own communities.
“There is bravery in these testimonies. It’s difficult to speak up. We must change. We are looking for you to make these changes and decisions for our future generations.”
Sponsor of the Coastal Testimonies event at Scottish Parliament, Rhoda Grant MSP said: “Community-led marine management leads to fair resource allocation and sustainability, and there’s many ways to help communities become involved and more active.
“There are groups of organizations…that we can learn from that are currently leading the way on this. Nobody wants to see fish numbers dwindle and habitats degraded, and equally, nobody wants to see livelihoods at risk with people leaving their communities due to a lack of opportunity.”
Acting Minister for Climate Action Alasdair Allan MSP said: “This exhibition showcases life at the water’s edge through striking photographs and moving testimonies, celebrating the interconnected roles of fishers, scientists, artists, and local communities in shaping Scotland’s coastal heritage.
“Fishing is an integral part of life in many of our coastal communities, and we all want a sustainable Scottish fishing industry; one with space to thrive alongside other users of the sea, and one that can fully capitalise on a healthy marine environment and improving fish stocks.
“Yet, we must also acknowledge that our seas are under pressure, placing unprecedented demands on marine ecosystems and the communities that depend on them. Challenges such as climate change and pressure from human activities calls for collective action, and they remind us that the responsibility to protect and enhance our seas lies with all of us.”
Scottish Labour MSP for Lothian Region, Foysol Choudhury attended the event, emphasising: “The current consultation for the National Marine Plan 2 needs to be comprehensive and the Scottish Government should not remove key sectors like fisheries.
“We need to protect our shores, from Portobello to Cramond.”
Hayley Wolcott, Coordinator of the Our Seas Coalition said: “The primary focus of the Coastal Testimonies project is to promote a better understanding of inshore environmental and fisheries issues through the collection of personal accounts and inspire greater dialogue and action within communities.”
“The testimonies speak for themselves and are now empowering people within their communities to speak up, share their first-hand experiences and talk with each other about how to safeguard their precious interconnections with our seas.
“We encourage anyone to get involved, be it a community organisation or local business, you can host an event or contribute a testimony of your own. Please get in touch.”
Local Scottish Green MSP Lorna Slater is calling on Edinburgh to bid to be one of the first councils to sign up for the expansion of free school meals for thousands more S1 – S3 pupils.
The Scottish Greens have recently secured money for the expansion of free school meals to thousands of S1-S3 pupils who receive the Scottish Child Payment (SCP), starting with eight council areas in August 2025.
This builds on the ongoing rollout to P6 and P7 pupils who receive SCP and the previous extension to all P4 and P5 pupils, both of which were secured by Green MSPs during past rounds of budget negotiations.
Edinburgh currently has a child poverty rate of 20.4% and around 4,500 of S1-S3 pupils who receive the Scottish Child Payment, a support payment for families on low incomes.
By signing up to be one of the first councils to receive more free meals for pupils, thousands of local children and families will benefit.
Eight councils will be chosen for the initial rollout and the Scottish Greens will be pushing the Scottish Government to extend the project to all 32 council areas as soon as possible.
Lorna Slater the Scottish Greens MSP for Lothian said: “Children can’t learn if they’re hungry. Problems like classroom hunger simply should not exist in a country as wealthy as Scotland.
“As a result of this work by Green MSPs, thousands more pupils in S1-S3 will now get a free school meal. I hope Edinburgh will volunteer to be one of the first areas to provide these lunches.
“The Scottish Greens have always championed free school meals. This high school expansion builds on the work we’ve already done to provide more meals in primary schools.
“No pupils should have to learn on an empty stomach simply because they cannot afford a school lunch. Each and every child in Scotland should have what they need to do well at school, including a free and healthy lunch.”
The true cost of tax evasion is likely being vastly underestimated, as loopholes in the current system make it all too easy for fraudulent behaviour to go unchecked. In a report released today, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is calling for a clear strategy to tackle tax evasion and increased powers for public bodies to address fraud.
HMRC estimates that tax evasion cost £5.5 billion in lost revenue in 2022-23, 81% of which could be attributed to small businesses. But the introduction of legislation in 2021 making online marketplaces liable for VAT from overseas sellers led to £1.5bn in additional taxes per year, five times greater than HMRC predicted.*
The PAC is therefore concerned HMRC may have underestimated the level of evasion occurring and is calling on HMRC to assess the reasons behind this gap. The report is concerned by the lack of curiosity shown by HMRC to investigate the issue, further noting that its inquiry heard that anywhere between 5% and 20% of UK registered companies were fraudulent in 2023.
Despite the vast sums lost, HMRC does not have a clear objective or strategy to tackle tax evasion. The issue appears to be exacerbated by a lack of collaboration to date between HMRC, Companies House and the Insolvency Service.
The PAC is calling for HMRC to set out a clear strategy for tackling evasion and deliberate non-compliance, while noting that the current planned timeline of five to ten years to tighten company registration requirements is too far in the future.
The introduction of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 granted Companies House greater powers to clean up the company register and remove fraudulent information.
With identity verification set to become mandatory by autumn 2025, it is clear steps are being taken in the right direction. But the PAC is concerned measures are not strong enough, as Companies House is still unable to verify addresses of registered companies, which the PAC fear will mean it shall remain all too easy for registrations for fraudulent means to continue.
The PAC was disappointed to learn that HMRC has continued to bombard a taxpayer in Cardiff with letters seeking unpaid tax as a result of businesses fraudulently registering their home address for VAT purposes, despite the Committee having pressed this issue for over a year.
The PAC fear this case unfortunately illustrates a wider issue of HMRC’s VAT registrations processes being far too open to abuse, with the tax authority not exploring options to tighten controls.
The number of prosecutions resulting from HMRC’s criminal investigations reduced from 749 in 2018-19 to 344 in 2023-24. During the same period, the Insolvency Service disqualified just 7 directors for phoenixism.
The PAC notes that it does not appear that the mechanisms in place bear down on tax evaders and rogue directors who flout insolvency rules are being used to their fullest extent.
Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP, Chair of the Committee, said: “It is of deep concern that the many billions in tax rightfully meant for the public purse could just be the tip of the iceberg.Not only that, but our own tax authority has not sufficiently curious with a view to accurately diagnosing the problem.
“Though we acknowledge the inherent difficulty of the issue, it is clear that more must be done to clamp down on fraud and root out the bad actors who are taking advantage of loopholes in the current system. It is unfair on those who abide by the rules to be undercut by those that are evading their obligations. There has to be a real willingness by those in charge of Companies House to effectively use the powers they’ve been given.
“It is heartening to know that work is being done to implement a more joined up approach across public bodies. However, large roadblocks remain in place that will inevitably slow down progress, and in some cases may stall it completely.
“It is also unclear how successful any effort will be in the absence of a clear strategy with measurable outcomes to tackle tax avoidance. Government needs to get a tighter grip on this issue to prevent further tax funds being lost unnecessarily.”
In support of National HIV Testing Week, the Prime Minister undertook a public rapid HIV home test, available for free, in No 10 Downing Street.
Prime Minister takes part in National HIV Testing Week – UK Government backed drive offering free, quick and easy HIV self and home testing kits.
First Serving Prime Minister and serving G7 leader to take a public HIV test.
HIV Testing Week to drive efforts to reach estimated 4,700 undiagnosed people living in England to end new HIV transmissions by 2030.
In support of National HIV Testing Week, the Prime Minister undertook a public rapid HIV home test, available for free, in No10 Downing Street.
By taking part in the campaign, he will be the first serving British Prime Minister and serving G7 leader to take a public test on camera.
Joined by Terrence Higgins Trust Patron Beverley Knight, the Prime Minister took a rapid home test to raise awareness that during National HIV Testing Week, anyone in England can order a free and confidential HIV test from www.freetesting.hiv to do at home.
The campaign which sees up to 20,000 funded kits being available to the public – centres on regular home or self-testing – one way to meet the Government’s ambition to end new HIV cases in England by 2030 committed to by the Prime Minister in December.
After undertaking a test, the Prime Minister said: “It is really important to do it, and I am pleased to have taken part too. It’s easy, it is quick. And during testing week you can get a test free – so it is a great time to also take part.
“If people test, they will know their status, it is better that people know, and that is a good thing because you can then get access to treatment, and that will also help meet our collective target to end new HIV transmissions by 2030.”
It comes as polling by YouGov, on behalf of leading HIV Charity the Terrence Higgins Trust, has found that more than 80% of adults in England are unaware it is possible to test for HIV at home.
However, when prompted as an option, at-home testing was the most popular way to know your HIV status, with 44% of people saying it would be their preference.
The Prime Minister has committed to ending new HIV cases in England by 2030, with a new HIV Action Plan to be published in summer 2025.
Once diagnosed, people living with HIV can access free, effective treatment which means they can have a normal life expectancy and can’t pass on the virus.
Richard Angell OBE, Chief Executive of Terrence Higgins Trust said: “The Prime Minister has made history by becoming the first G7 leader to publicly take an HIV test while in office and has led by example.
“This free, quick and simple test sends a powerful message to the country and to the public. During National HIV Testing Week, anyone in England can order a test to their home, whether that’s to Downing Street, to Penzance or to Berwick-up-Tweed.
“England can be the first country in the world to end new HIV transmissions, but we are not on track to do so by 2030. Scaling up HIV testing will be crucial to our shared goal. We are delighted that Keir Starmer is leading from the front in this mission.”
Beverley Knight MBE said: “Living with HIV today is a world away from the experience that my late best friend Tyrone endured in the early 2000s.
“People living with HIV can now easily know their status, can access effective treatment and live a long, healthy life. I wish this was case for Ty.
“In his memory, I’m using my voice alongside the Prime Minister to make everyone aware of how easy it is to test. People need to hear the crucial message that thanks to effective medication people living with HIV can’t pass it on, so we can end this epidemic once and for all.”
Rebecca Mbewe, an author and speaker, who is living with HIV said: “Testing for HIV is the only way to know your status, and it helps you stay in control of your health.If you do have a positive result, you won’t be on your own.
“I have been living with HIV for close to 30 years, I am still able to do anything and everything that I like. I still have my glass of gin and tonic. I can still go out and dance. Thanks to free, effective medication,
“I have a full life, I can’t pass HIV on and I have a normal life expectancy. Every time I have a birthday I love telling people my age. It’s a statement. It’s a celebration!”
Most successful January in over half a decade for Home Office Immigration Enforcement teams tackling illegal working
A record-breaking January for illegal working enforcement activity has been revealed by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper as the government’s landmark Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill returns to Parliament for its second reading, today (Monday 10 February).
Tackling illegal working plays a vital part in the Home Office’s system-wide approach to ending the promise of false jobs used by smuggling gangs to sell spaces on boats and taking down their business models as we restore order to the immigration system.
Following a drive from this government to have more deployable enforcement staff, a renewed crackdown on those attempting to undermine the UK’s borders last month saw the highest January in over half a decade for enforcement activity.
Throughout January alone, Immigration Enforcement teams descended on 828 premises, including nail bars, convenience stores, restaurants and car washes, marking a 48% rise compared to the previous January. Arrests also surged to 609, demonstrating a 73% increase from just 352 the previous year.
More broadly, between 5 July last year and 31 January, both illegal working visits and arrests have soared by around 38% compared to the same 12 months prior. During the same period, the Home Office issued a total of 1,090 civil penalty notices. Employers could face a fine of up to £60,000 per worker if found liable.
In many cases, those who come to the UK and end up working illegally are sold false promises about their ability to live and work in the UK, creating a dangerous draw for people to risk their lives by crossing the Channel on a small boat.
In reality, illegal working is inextricably linked to squalid living conditions, little to no pay and inhumane working hours. By paying so little, rogue employers often attempt to avoid paying their fair share in taxes to contribute to the economy and undercut honest competitors who follow the law.
Under its Plan for Change, the government is delivering steadfast action to restore order to the UK immigration system and the surge in enforcement activity to crack down on illegal working is a vital cog in the government’s wider machine to identify, disrupt and tackle irregular migration across the country.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: ”The immigration rules must be respected and enforced. For far too long, employers have been able to take on and exploit illegal migrants and too many people have been able to arrive and work illegally with no enforcement action ever taken.
“Not only does this create a dangerous draw for people to risk their lives by crossing the Channel in a small boat, but it results in the abuse of vulnerable people, the immigration system and our economy.
“That’s why, as part of our Plan for Change, we are boosting enforcement to record levels alongside tough new legislation to smash the criminal gangs that undermine our border security and who have been getting away with it for far too long.”
While enforcement teams respond to illegal working intelligence in all sectors, a significant proportion of last month’s activity took place at restaurants, takeaways and cafes as well as in the food, drink and tobacco industry.
An operation in Cheshire to vape shops led to 10 immigration arrests and 2 criminal arrests for counterfeit documents, with civil penalty referral notices being made to employers, and a visit to an Indian restaurant in Humberside led to 7 arrests and 4 detentions. Elsewhere, in South London, a visit to a grocery warehouse resulted in 6 arrests and 4 people being detained.
As part of this activity, Immigrant Enforcement play a critical safeguarding role, working closely with the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority and other organisations to allow employees to report labour exploitation.
Eddy Montgomery, Director of Enforcement, Compliance and Crime, said: ”These figures demonstrate the commitment of my teams to crack down on those who think they can flout our immigration system.
“I hope it sends a strong signal that there is no hiding place from the law, and we will continue to ramp up our activity to ensure those involved face the full consequences.
“We also know that many people who end up working illegally are often subjected to extremely poor conditions, so we will continue to do all we can to safeguard and protect the most vulnerable.”
Border Security is central to the government’s Plan for Change and, alongside enforcement activity, the Home Office is ramping up returns of individuals with no right to be in the UK.
Just last month, the department smashed its target to drive the removal of foreign criminals and immigration offenders to the highest level since 2018, with 16,400 people removed since the election. This figure is expected to go up later today when the Home Office publishes updated figures running to the end of January.
Since July, bespoke charter flights have also removed immigration offenders to countries around the world, including 4 of the biggest returns flights in the UK’s history carrying more than 800 people. Individuals removed since the election include criminals convicted of drug offences, theft, rape and murder.
The Labour government is also working upstream to deter people from entering the UK illegally by launching a new international campaign to debunk people smugglers’ lies.
Social media adverts went live in Vietnam in December and Albania in January, highlighting real stories from migrants who entered the UK illegally, only to face debt, exploitation, and a life far from what they were promised. The campaign also warns prospective migrants about the realities of illegal working, as the government continues to crack down on employers who break the law and exploit people for profit.
In the months ahead, we will go further than ever by introducing new counter terror-style powers to identify, disrupt and smash people smuggling gangs as part of new, robust legislation to protect UK borders, set to be discussed in Parliament today.
The Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill will grant law enforcement additional powers to take earlier and more effective action against organised crime gangs, including seizing mobile phones from people who come to the UK illegally before the point of arrest.
Next month, the government will go further by hosting a landmark Border Security Summit at the historic Lancaster House in London.
A watershed moment in the UK’s fight against Organised Immigration Crime, the summit will bring together delegates from over 40 countries, as well as guest participants from a range of international institutions, including the European Union.
The summit will be held on Monday 31 March and Tuesday 1 April, and will facilitate a range of discussions on the best ways to tackle criminal networks facilitating organised immigration crime and migrant smuggling.
The landmark Employment Rights Bill is ‘vote winner’
Voters in every constituency overwhelmingly support key measures to strengthen workers’ rights, according to new polling published by the TUC and Hope Not Hate today.
In recent months, there has been criticism of the Bill from Conservative and Reform politicians and parts of the business lobby.
But this polling decisively proves that those opponents are a world away from the views of the British public.
The public wants stronger worker protections
The poll of over 21,000 people reveals huge backing across the country and across the political spectrum – including with Reform and Conservative voters – for key policies in the Bill. The poll shows:
Banning zero hours contracts by giving workers a contract that reflects their regular hours: More than 7 in 10 (72%) of UK voters support a ban on zero hours contracts – including 2 in 3 Reform (65%) and Conservative (63%) voters from the 2024 general election support banning zero hours contracts. The figure is even higher with those saying they would vote Conservative (65%) and Reform (67%) if there was a general election held tomorrow. Just 15% oppose the policy.
Giving all workers statutory sick pay from day one: 3 in 4 (74%) voters support giving all workers the right to statutory sick pay, and ensuring it is paid from the first day – including 2 in 3 Reform (64%) and Conservative (62%) voters from the 2024 general election. The figure is even higher with those saying they would vote Conservative (65%) and Reform (66%) if there was a general election held tomorrow. Just 14 % oppose the policy.
Giving all workers protection from unfair dismissal from day one: 3 in 4 (73%) voters support giving all workers protection from unfair dismissal from the first day in the job – including 2 in 3 Reform (62%) and Conservative (62%) voters from the 2024 general election. The figure is even higher with those saying they would vote Conservative (65%) and Reform (64%) if there was a general election held tomorrow. Just 14% oppose the policy.
Making it easier for people to have flexibility in their patterns or hours of work: 3 in 4 (74%) voters support making it easier to work flexibly – including 2 in 3 Reform (63%) and Conservative (64%) voters from the 2024 general election. The figure is even higher with those saying they would vote Conservative (67%) and Reform (65%) if there was a general election held tomorrow. Just 12% oppose the policy.
Break down by constituency level
The poll breaks down to constituency level – and reveals that voters in every single constituency are behind the Bill’s flagship policies.
Click on the interactive map below to see how each constituency voted. Use the search field to find your constituency, and the drop-down menu at the top to view data for each policy.
Reform is defying its own voters on workers’ rights
Interestingly, the new poll shows the measures the government is taking through Parliament are hugely popular with Reform voters from 2024 as well as Reform-leaning voters (those who would vote Reform if there was an election tomorrow).
In every Reform-held constituency, including in Reform leader Nigel Farage’s seat, there is significant support for banning zero hours contracts and giving sick pay to everyone from day one.
And yet Reform MPs have voted against the Bill at every stage. The party are defying their own voters and constituents on workers’ rights. This proves beyond doubt that Nigel Farage and Reform aren’t on the side of working people – they’re on the side of bad bosses, zero hours contracts and fire and rehire.
Labour, Conservative, Green and Lib Dem voters also significantly back the policies. It’s clear that the Employment Rights Bill is that rare thing – a policy which is genuinely popular across traditional party lines.
Time for change
After the failed Conservative era of a low-rights, low-pay, and low-growth economy, voters can see the importance of making work pay and ending the scourge of insecure work.
That’s why the government must ignore the noise and deliver the Employment Rights Bill in full.
Improving job quality and putting more money into people’s pockets is an urgent national mission and a key plank of the government’s wider plan to grow the economy. Those who defend the broken status quo are simply putting their own vested interests above working people.
Voters across the political spectrum want work to pay and to feel secure and respected in their jobs. The government has a historic opportunity – and an electoral mandate – to make work pay. The plan to make work pay is hugely popular, and this poll should give ministers the confidence to deliver it in full.
