Workers all across Scotland and rUK took part in protests on Wednesday 1st February to protest against the Bill going through the UK Parliament to limit the rights of workers. Protecting The Right To Strike

Emma Roddick Highlands and Islands SNP MSP has said that limiting workers rights are part of the UK Government’s erosion of the protections the EU provided.

Emma Roddick said:

“The UK Government’s Retained EU Law Bill rips up 47 years of progress on workers’ rights, all to meet the Conservative Government’s race to the bottom ideology, putting at risk working time regulations, paid leave (annual, maternal and parental) and even rights to breaks.

“For all its rhetoric the UK Government’s attack on the rights of workers and its efforts to deregulate whatever it can isn’t even boosting the economy. The IMF has predicted recently that the UK is the only country in the G7 that faces economic decline—a worse decline than that forecast for Russia.

“It has been quite clear for a while that Brexit has been a disaster for Scotland, it has damaged our economy, driven away those from the EU who worked in our health and care sectors, and now has opened up the rights of workers for Tory attacks. Without the power of independence, Scotland is only able to voice its opposition to such policies rather than taking the action sorely needed to protect our economy and protect the rights of workers.”

Demonstrations were also held on Wednesday 1st of February by groups supporting Scottish Independence, marking the anniversary of the UK leaving the European Union despite Scotland voting to Remain.

Although the event planned in Orkney was cancelled due to the weather, in some parts of Scotland organisers moved indoors. In Edinburgh, where the main event took place a torchlight procession was held through Holyrood Park to The Scottish Parliament.