Lord Mandelson suggest UK workers move overseas
Lord Mandelson has today enraged union activists and Labour Party members with his declaration that "those workers not happy in the UK can work overseas". His statement was issued to try and dampen a potentially hazardous situation for the UK government but has instead inflamed the emotions and opinions of those involved on the ground. A number of senior Labour MPs and senior Labour supporters have come out condemning the remarks by Mandelson who is known to be a very pro-European member of the government.
Many are using Mandelson's comments as confirmation that the UK Labour Party has lost touch with its core supporters and is heading for political oblivion at the next general election. Gordon Brown had been warned on a number of occasions that bringing Lord Mandelson back into government was a serious risk and while initially it had appeared to work, there are signs that the old frictions are returning. To suggest that UK workers should move overseas if they are not happy is likely to see more wildcat strikes this week rather than dampen a potentially explosive situation.
The accusation that the strikes are more about protectionism than employment law has also caught the eye of union leaders who will be no doubt making their opinions known today and through the week.
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