Lords concludes line by line check of Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill

The Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill aims to implement minimum service levels (MSLs) in certain specific services during periods of strike action.

Line by line examination

Committee stage is the first chance for line by line examination of the bill.

Proposed changes 

Members speaking on day two of committee stage put forward amendments (PDF) (changes) to the bill to be discussed. 

These amendments covered a range of subjects, including: 

• the UK's obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights
• a requirement to attempt to settle disputes by other means before work notices are issued
• protections for employees.

Catch up

• Catch up on Parliament TV (part one and part two)
• Read the Lords Hansard transcript (part one and part two)

Explore further information

Read background on the bill in the House of Lords Library Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill briefing.

Next steps

Report stage, a further opportunity to closely scrutinise elements of the bill and make changes, is yet to be scheduled.

What's happened so far?

Committee stage day one: Thursday 9 March

Members speaking on day one of committee stage put forward amendments (PDF) (changes) to the bill to be discussed. 

These amendments covered a range of subjects, including: 

• whether the bill meets the UK's human rights obligations
• the impact of the draft law on existing disputes
• which services will be affected by the draft law
• parliamentary scrutiny and the range of powers given to ministers
• safe staffing levels for the NHS.

Catch up

• Watch live on Parliament TV (part one and part two)
• Read the Lords Hansard transcript (part one and part two)

Second reading: Tuesday 21 February

During second reading, members discussed the main issues in the bill and drew attention to specific areas where they think amendments (changes) will be needed.

Topics covered during the debate included: 

• threats to workers' rights
• impact of strikes on public safety
• powers awarded to government ministers and opportunity for parliamentary scrutiny.

Lord Callanan (Conservative), Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, opened the debate and responded on behalf of the government.

Members speaking in the debate included:

• Lord Allan of Hallam (Liberal Democrat), former opposition spokersperson for Trade and Industry
• Lord Balfe (Conservative), former Conservative party envoy to the Trade Union Movement
• Baroness Donaghy (Labour), former president of the Trades Union Congress
• Lord Judge (Crossbench), former Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales.

Catch up

Find out more about the issues discussed: catch up on Parliament TV (part one and part two) or read a transcript in Lords Hansard (part one and part two).

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