Why trade unions should be worried by Tory rebels

As usual the British media deployed diversionary tactics when reporting on the Tory ‘rebels’. Classically portraying divisions in the Tories as being simply the pro and anti Europeans within the ranks but there is a more sinister level to this debate. Deregulation is an ideological standpoint for the Tories.

The ultra Euro-sceptics view the EU as a monolithic front to protect worker rights. Only by fundamentally damaging the European Union can they truly embrace the most grotesque forms of deregulation and worker exploitation.

Removing worker rights is the driver for the Tory ‘rebels’ but they hardly deserve the romantic association of the term ‘rebels’. These right wing extremists, who see no value in protecting the dignity of all workers, are more akin to Victorian mill owners, who think they have a divine right to place others in servitude for life.

Trade unions should take note. This is a battle for workers not a battle over EU membership.

Anna Rose