Transport Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill

Key Points

• Creates a framework for minimum service levels during strike action in transport sectors.
• Applies to strikes by trade unions in transport services to help keep essential services running.
• The details of how minimum service levels are defined and applied would be developed in later stages.
• Has involved consideration of Lords amendments in previous sessions, with the Commons voting to disagree with several of those amendments.
• Reflects a government-leaning policy to safeguard public access to transport during industrial action, with opposition from Labour and other major parties.

Progress

The bill is at the 1st reading in the House of Commons in the current session, following earlier passage through the Lords and earlier Commons stages (including money and second-reading votes). The Commons has so far indicated support by disagreeing with Lords amendments in related votes.

Voting

In the recorded votes, the governing parties (notably the Conservatives and allied groups) voted in favour, while Labour and most other opposition parties voted against the Lords amendments. Early Commons votes on money and second reading had large majorities in favour of the bill (e.g., money: 305–49; second reading: 309–249).