'Emergency’ protest against UK government's Strikes Bill held in London

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - More than a hundred people held an "emergency” protest Monday against the UK government's Minimum Service Levels Bill, calling for protecting the right to strike.

They gathered at Parliament Square in London to protest the legislation, also known as the "Strikes Bill" which was announced this year by the government to "limit the impacts of strike action on the lives and livelihoods of the public."

During the demonstration held by the Trades Union Congress (TUC), protesters chanted anti-bill slogans while carrying signs defending the right to strike.

The bill has sparked fierce criticism over concerns that it may lead to public sector workers like National Health Service (NHS) staff facing the sack for striking.

Speaking at the event, Labour MP Jo Stevens vowed to repeal the bill if they win the general election.

"I promise you, if Labour get into power at the next election, we will repeal this legislation," she said.

In a statement ahead of the emergency protest, the TUC said "the attack" on the right to strike has reached a critical point.

Calling the Conservative Party government "multi-millionaire Tory politicians," it said: "We can’t afford to lose the right to strike."

"They're planning to sack key workers who take action to improve pay and conditions. First they’re coming for paramedics, firefighters and rail workers, but who will be next?" it added.