28th March 2022: A Week in Parliament

P&O Ferries

I was part of a joint BEIS-Transport Select Committee session into the P&O sacking fiasco. It was incredible that the chief executive of P&O admitted they broke the law on advance notification/consultation on the redundancies because “no union would ever accept the new terms and conditions”. He also admitted that they had offered an enhanced pay-off package, calculating that this would “buy off” any tribunal action. Ruthless, despicable and callous. 800 workers just part of a balance sheet to trade-off. This is Global Brexit Britain. I appreciate Tory Ministers don’t want 800 P&O Ferry staff paid off. However, when I grilled the employment Minister about the fact there are better employment protections in France, Germany and the Netherlands, he argued that the UK has “more flexible laws” making it easier to create jobs. What he means is hire and fire easier. As I also pointed out, with vastly reduced workers' conditions, P&O can then undercut competition, meaning for example, that Stenna will come under pressure to cut terms and conditions in a race to the bottom. I certainly will not be using P&O again, that’s for sure.

Spring Statement

The Chancellor failed again to do something about the cost of living crisis. He has headroom as income was higher than predicted. For people the reality is: March 2021 energy cap was £1138; April 2022 it has increased to £1971, a 73% increase. Petrol after the 5p duty cut is +30% compared to March 2021. Meanwhile, oil prices are now +80% than predicted in March 2021 which gives a rough indication of just how much additional money the Treasury will have made from oil and gas revenues. They are still raking in extra VAT on our energy bills as well so he can choose to help if he wanted to.

Refugee Update

I wish I had better updates for families my office is dealing with. The online application system is taking way too long to process. In a briefing from a legal advisor on the process, he has stated people should consider going to the media to speed matters up. This is indicative of a system failure as legal advisors seldom recommend such action. It is so frustrating and with parliament recess, I cannot bring matters up in the chamber. Also, written questions are not answered or even published either. Meanwhile, every other country in Europe is still taking refugees with no family ties without the need for visas. It is soul-destroying.

Brownings the Bakers

I illustrated the impact of high energy costs on Brownings the Bakers. Electricity costs of £4 per week now increased to £11k per week and an offer made of a two-year contract at £17k per week! When I pointed out to the chancellor that he is making more VAT on these high costs, his answer was I was wrong! Not only is he ignoring households struggling with energy costs but he is also ignoring businesses and reality with his stupid response to me. Frustrating as these non-answers are, I will always do my best to put constituency matters forward.