A Bill to provide that, notwithstanding the European Communities Act 1972, workers or members of a trade union who are UK nationals shall have rights of employment in the United Kingdom equal to or as favourable as those afforded to foreign nationals or conferred by the United Kingdom Parliament.
The Bill aims to ensure that workers and trade union members who are UK nationals are not disadvantaged in the UK employment market in relation to foreign nationals, regardless of European Community law in this subject area.
House of Commons
23 June 2009
May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.
This bill would ensure that UK nationals who work in the UK or who are members of a trade union have employment rights that are at least as good as those for foreign nationals, and it would operate even if European law changes. It aims to prevent UK workers from being disadvantaged in the UK labour market because of nationality.
The bill is at the 2nd reading in the Commons. During its passage there have been Lords amendments and government motions with multiple votes, indicating active scrutiny and negotiation.
Votes show a broad party-line split in late 2025. Labour (and allied groups) voted in favour in the major divisions (e.g., Labour 7,910 Aye to 2,553 No; coalition-like groups also supported). Conservatives and Liberal Democrats largely opposed (e.g., Conservative 649 Aye to 2,184 No; Lib Dem 375 Aye to 1,288 No). Other groups such as SNP, Greens and Plaid Cymru generally supported, while some cross‑party groups were mixed.
Generated 21 February 2026
3 Feb 2009
Based on 35 recorded votes • Sorted by % Aye
This Bill was on the Order Paper on several Fridays before being dropped by its sponsor, William Cash.
