CENTRAL Devon MP, Mel Stride, has given his backing to the Government’s Trade Union Bill, which will introduce a 50 per cent turnout threshold for industrial action and change the law so trade union members “opt-in” to make political contributions from their wages.

Reforming trade union law was a key part of the Conservative Manifesto in the 2015 General Election.

Mr Stride explained: “The right to strike is hugely important and is a principle I fully support. However, far too many strikes have taken place on a low turnout and sometimes on the basis of out-dated ballots taken many months previously.

“It cannot be right that a small minority of union members can have a huge impact on millions of commuters, parents and businesses. A 50 per cent turnout threshold is not unreasonable and will certainly help avoid this.”

A 40 per cent support threshold is also set to be enforced in regard to strikes within key public services such as fire, health, education, transport, border security and nuclear decommissioning.

Mr Stride also said he supports changes that will ensure unions cannot automatically deduct small donations from their members to contribute to political campaigning.

He added: “For decades many trade unions have automatically affiliated their members to a political party, often Labour, by making a small deduction from their pay cheque unless members specifically opt-out.

“Some unions have not always been clear and transparent about this process with many members unaware this is happening or concerned about repercussions if they choose not to make the donation.

“Surely it is only fair and reasonable that union members make an active choice to affiliate themselves with a party rather than their union making an automatic choice on their behalf.”