Mr President, I wish to support this resolution and, in doing so, to draw attention to the threat to trade union rights that is causing concern in my own constituency.

Two years ago the management of a firm near Leicester called Rearsby Automotive, which produces parts for major car makers, and the unions entered into a partnership to improve productivity. They did this by changing the working agreements, and productivity consequently increased by over 30%. In exchange, the management promised the workers a shorter working week, better conditions and proper health and safety regulations. Those benefits were to come into force when the work had been done. Only last week the management announced that it was going to introduce further changes without consultation and to de-recognize the trade unions. There is a clear risk that the agreements reached on working conditions will not be honoured and, indeed, that further erosion will take place. This is just one small example of the need for social protection in Europe. Daily in the United Kingdom we see the rights of workers threatened. In this Parliament we believe in social partnership, in governments, employers and trade unio

ns working together for economic and social progress. But this is not the position taken by the British Government. That is why it has opted out of the social chapter.

I ask this House to support this resolution and send a clear message back to the people we all represent that Europe means social protection for workers.

(Applause)