MP is in unison with union move

AN Oldham MP has backed a union’s call to stop funding for politicians who support privatisation.

Unison announced this week it would not be bankrolling the 64 MPs it supports unless they agree to stand up for the values of the union.

Unison member and Oldham West and Royton MP Michael Meacher said the union was right to take the stance and should expect its members to support the public sector.

He said: “This does not mean toeing the line on everything, MPs can do as they wish and will be held accountable by the electorate. You cannot hold views or do things that are wholly contrary to the value of the union and then expect them to support you.

“I have taken a strong lead in opposing the part-privatisation of the post office and I want the government to drop these proposals. But if not I want to make sure there is no Labour majority. I fully understand the concerns of the union.”

The union represents millions of workers across the public sector and is outraged at Government plans to part-privatise Royal Mail, as well as the market testing of NHS services.

Mr Meacher added: “What Unison are saying is not a question of them dictating what people do on every given subject. But MPs cannot support policies which are contrary to the unions that are funding them. It is not them trying to control us. I do not think what Unison are saying will affect me.”

The Labour MP said he would be speaking to union bosses about his position. He said he always attends Unison monthly meetings and expected the issue to be discussed in full at the next meeting.