Union boss warns Starmers attacks on Haigh ‘unacceptable’ in P&O investment row
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Matt Wrack, the ex-president of the Trades Union Congress, has issued a caution to Sir Keir Starmer following his lack of support for transport secretary Louise Haigh regarding her remarks about the owners of P&O Ferries.
Tensions flared after DP World announced it would scrap a £1 billion investment in Thames Gateway. This decision came in response to remarks about a new workers' rights initiative made by Ms. Haigh and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner.
Mr. Wrack, the general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union who was in charge of discussions with Labour regarding the workers' rights initiative, cautioned Sir Keir that any negative remarks about Ms. Haigh were "unacceptable." He commended her for standing up against "rogue employers" such as DP World, the parent company of P&O.
The initial backlash against DP World stemmed from a press release coordinated with Downing Street, in which Ms. Haigh referred to the ferry company as "cowboy operators." This comment was in response to a controversial move by the company to lay off and then rehire 800 workers two years prior. The incident angered politicians from various parties and played a significant role in crafting Labour's new workers' initiative.
Ms. Rayner faced criticism for her remarks in the press release where she stated, “The situation with P&O Ferries was a shocking instance of an employer exploiting their power, and it highlights why we are taking strong steps to enhance job security in the UK.”
However, it was later proposed that it was Ms. Haigh's warning to withdraw support from the company due to its future actions that led to the investment being pulled back.
Sir Keir publicly addressed Ms. Haigh during an interview on the BBC's Newscast podcast with political editor Chris Mason and Adam Fleming. When questioned about her comments regarding the boycott, he replied, "That's not the stance of the government."
The £1 billion investment setback was a significant source of embarrassment for Sir Keir, especially as he and Chancellor Rachel Reeves are getting ready to lead a major investment summit on Monday aimed at boosting growth in the UK.
The criticism directed at Ms. Haigh has prompted many to suggest that she is being unfairly blamed for the situation. This has sparked worries that the minister who oversees several of Labour's most progressive policies, like the nationalization of railways, might lose her job.
One supporter called the briefings "shameful" and indicated that the people surrounding the prime minister are losing their allies.
Mr. Wrack has now stepped in to support Ms. Haigh.
He expressed to The Independent: "Louise Haigh has the complete backing and solidarity of the Fire Brigades Union in firmly opposing P&O and other unprincipled employers who are firing workers and enforcing terrible sweatshop conditions on their staff."
Any criticism or attacks directed at Labour politicians and union leaders who stand up against companies that take advantage of and mistreat workers is totally unacceptable, no matter the source.
It’s shocking that DP World is trying to block the expansion of employment rights that Labour was elected to implement.
We must not allow unscrupulous employers and corporate bullies to manipulate or threaten a democratically elected government.
