RIGHT now there is a clear divide in our politics. It is not one about culture wars, or party factionalism; it is one about those who believe in democratic rights and those that don’t.

The minimum service levels Bill is undermines a fundamental linchpin of our democracy, the right of workers to democratically protest against their ill-treatment and against their exploitation.

In the face of a wave of popular outcry, the Tories have shown their true colours. They have pitched themselves against ambulance drivers, teachers, nurses, barristers and transport workers.

The truth is that after 12 years of the Tories, working people are worse off.

In GMB we are seeing people come forward who have never been on strike before. People who are sick of rampant inflation eating their hard-earned wages. 

People are sick of being paid the bare minimum while Tory donors get sweetheart payments and everyone else gets a pay freeze. People of treated as second-class citizens by this Tory government.

They have refused to listen to their concerns and are attempting to sideline them.

But more than that, this is an attack on the Labour and trade union movement and working people across Britain.

Let’s be clear, this isn’t a discussion about whose side you are on, this is about those in power abusing their position in an attempt to stay in office.

This is about an attempt to curb our human right to express ourselves and our opinions.

This is about a fundamental attack on our democracy, and we cannot take one step backwards.

Sadly those who bang on the loudest about freedom of speech and expression seem to be those who value it least; only looking for the ability to amplify their own view at the expense of everyone else’s.

Right now Britain has the most restrictive anti-union laws of any western European nation. 

The fact that workers are overcoming such unfair and unreasonably high thresholds to take strike action is testament to how bad the situation is for working people.

But rather than respond to that, the Tories would rather rip up the rules and try to turn the table over.

It is a desperate act, from a desperately poor government to recast the debate away from Tory failures.

But we know this for what it is. 

The minimum service levels Bill is the death rattle of a decade of Tory rule. It is not fit for purpose, even by its own standards and will be repealed in the early days of a Starmer-led government.

Our motion is calling for us to renew our oldest value as a labour movement — to work together to oppose and repeal any anti-union law passed by this government.

Welsh Labour under Mark Drakeford, and Carwyn Jones before him, has been at the vanguard of fighting against Tory excesses. 

And the Tories have tried the same trick with Welsh Labour. 

If the Tories don’t like what you’re saying, instead of taking the argument head on they look to sideline you.

If the Tories don’t even have the faith in their own arguments, what hope is there for this government?

Britain is crying out for a new government in Westminster, one that will renew Britain as the country we know it can be.

And let’s be honest, this is still a tough fight, it will require every ounce of effort we can squeeze out of our labour movement.

But when we win, we will change this country for the better.

We will see a government that delivers for working people rather than leaves them on the scrap heap.

An administration that takes young families out of foodbanks, and delivers them modern apprenticeships, universities and good unionised jobs.

A government that will put people not profit at the heart of its agenda.

History shows that when Labour wins, working people win.

GMB is ready to play our part this fight.

That fight starts here today with this motion. I hope all delegates will come together to support it.

Ruth Brady is GMB Wales and South West regional secretary.