Letter: Labour's union link
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: I think the Government's reported idea, that trade union membership should not be recognised unless at least 40 per cent of the entire workforce votes for it, is an excellent one.
Indeed, it is so compellingly excellent that I am even now eagerly waiting for the Government to announce that the same percentage is being applied to all referendums, general elections, by-elections, local elections, elections of MEPs, elections to the Scottish Parliament, Welsh Assembly, Northern Ireland Council, and anything else that may have slipped my mind at the moment, so that unless a referendum proposal or candidate receives the approval of at least 40 per cent of all registered voters, the vote is invalid.
In addition, no vote in the House of Commons or the House of Lords should count unless passed by at least 40 per cent of the entire membership of that House. I then expect the Government to declare that no business in either House can be conducted unless a quorum of 40 per cent of the membership is present and each member shown to be at least 40 per cent awake.
Logical conclusion demands no less.
RALPH ESTLING
Ilminster, Somerset
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments