Labour members of the EU ‘Parliament’ voted on 24.10.2006 for illegal immigrants to have the right to join trade unions and legal aid and that they should be have equal working rights (including maternity leave, paid holidays and access to employment tribunals).

The UK Conservative group voted against the motion. The Conservative group leader, Timothy Kirkhope MEP, asked “Is it Labour policy to give power to the EU over social rights for illegal immigrants?” He commented “Is it Labour policy to permit people who have no right in the country the right to join trade unions, have access to legal aid and equal working rights? Of course we agree that people whose status is irregular should still be able to receive emergency care and be protected from violence – but these Labour proposals could be deeply damaging to the country’s interests.”

Source: Conservative Party official website
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