Miliband fleshes out his views on today’s strikes

By Mark Ferguson / @markfergusonuk

After a poor interview with the BBC in which he repeated himself over and over, Ed Miliband had fleshed out his views on today’s strike action in his speech to the LGA conference this afternoon.

Speaking to the assembled delegates, Miliband said:

“I understand the anger of workers who feel they are being singled out by a reckless and provocative government. But I believe this action is wrong. Negotiations are ongoing.”

“So it is a mistake to go on strike because of the effect on the people who rely upon these services. And it is mistake because it will not help to win the argument….strikes are a sign of failure on both sides.”

“This disruption could have been avoided if ministers had been willing to engage with the concerns of those affected by changes to public sector pensions. The government’s handling of the issue has been high-handed and arrogant. And as the Cabinet Office minister, Francis Maude, showed this morning, ignorant of the facts as well.”

“With an ageing population, there is a need for change. But the government has gone about making that change happen in exactly the wrong way.”

“Announcing a 3% surcharge on public sector workers before John Hutton had even published his report setting out sensible starting points for reform. Then announcing their final position, when negotiations were still going on.”

“My message to both sides is this – what the British people want and expect is that you now get back to the negotiating table and redouble your efforts to find an agreed solution. Put aside the rhetoric, and avoid any further disruption to parents and the public.”