Grahame Morris MP is to back two Private Members’ Bills (PMBs).

PMBs are public bills introduced by MPs and Peers who are not government ministers. Although PMBs do not always become law, they are a means of drawing attention to an issue, and in doing so can affect legislation indirectly.

There are three ways to introduce a PMB:

1.) Win one of twenty places in the PMB Ballot which is held towards the start of a Parliamentary session. These bills are given priority on the thirteen Fridays set aside for debating PMBs.

2.) Apply for a Ten-Minute Rule Bill (TMRB). TMRBs allow an MP to present their Bill in a speech lasting up to ten minutes. An opposing speech may also be made before the House decides whether or not the Bill should be introduced.

3.) Apply for a Presentation Bill. In this case, the title of the bill will be read out in the Chamber, but there is no opportunity for a speech.

Grahame Morris MP is co-sponsoring the following PMBs:

The Education (Guidance about Costs of School Uniforms) Bill, introduced by Weaver Vale Labour MP Mike Amesbury.

This Bill was debated at second reading on Friday 13th March 2020 and has now been sent to a Public Bill Committee.

It seeks to cut the cost of school uniforms for hard-pressed families. Speaking ahead of the Education (Guidance about Costs of School Uniforms) Bill, Mr Morris said: “This has been a long running campaign. There are examples of schools requiring unnecessary branded items such as skirts and trousers with small school logos.

These unnecessary items can cost two to three times more than a similar non-branded item widely available in shops. This bill is a step in the right direction and schools should always consider the impact on parents before mandating unnecessary school uniform clothing.”

The Workers (Definition and Rights) Bill, introduced by Chris Stephens, SNP MP for Glasgow South West.

This Bill will have its second reading under the Ten Minute Rule on 27th November 2020.

It seeks to amend the definition of a worker, as well as to provide greater protection from day one of a person’s employment, eliminating zero-hours contracts and providing greater protection for those in precarious work.

Speaking in support of the Bill Mr Morris said, “The UK has the most restrictive trade union laws in the developed world, which leads to low wages and undermines workplace rights. The rise of the gig economy and zero-hour contracts creates precarious employment making workers beholden to the whim of employers with little protection.

This power imbalance leaves vulnerable employees in a position to be exploited, unable to advocate for their rights for fear of losing work.

The Workers (Definition and Rights) Bill is about creating a fair working environment and would see the end zero-hour contracts. People should be entitled to secure employment, with rights from day one, a pension, and clearly defined hours.

These basic rights are commonplace in developed economies, but the Tories hatred of Trade Unions, and their determination to drive down standards, has eroded our fundamental democratic right to organise and advocate for our rights in the workplace.”