Transport System to Remain Unaffected During the Festive Season
Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, has announced new legislation that will prevent strikes from disrupting the Christmas holidays. The laws will require airport border staff, rail workers, and ambulance workers to ensure a minimum level of service during any industrial action. This will ensure that the nation's transport system will not be paralyzed during this crucial time.
"We Cannot Rely on Short Term Fixes"
The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, expressed his support for the legislation, stating that the government is doing everything in its power to prevent unions from derailing Christmas for millions of people. The new laws will enable more people to travel to see their friends and family and ensure they receive the emergency care they need. This long-term solution aims to prevent the need for calling on the Armed Forces or civil servants to mitigate the disruption caused by strike action.
Minimum Service Levels to be Enforced
The legislation, which will be laid before Parliament tomorrow, will require rail operators to maintain at least 40% of their normal timetable during strikes, preventing a complete standstill. Border security services will also have to maintain their effectiveness as if strikes were not happening. The new laws will also apply to ambulance workers, guaranteeing that emergency care is not compromised.
Following European Standards
Rishi Sunak emphasized that the Minimum Service Levels Legislation aligns with practices in other European nations. He stated that the government is taking the right long-term decision to ensure the safety of the public and the delivery of vital public services that hard-working people rely on.
