Labour call for annulment of Government’s new public procurement rules

Labour have tabled an Early Day Motion (885) opposing the Government’s decision to push through new public procurement rules.

These rules come from the EU and most member states, including Scotland, are using the maximum two years they’ve been given (they have until April 2016) to implement them. This allows for “a lengthy and considered consultation about the benefits of the new approach.”

However, the government have rushed through these rules for their own political and ideological purposes.

Last month Shadow Health Secretary Andy Burnham said that the government were trying to sneak through these procurement rules, which would mean that when it comes to the NHS “all contracts worth more than £625,000 to be put out to tender.” 

In response, Labour have tabled an EDM, which asks for these rules to be appealed. It’s sponsored by 6 MPs, including Labour leader Ed Miliband.

Sampson Low, UNISON Head of Policy, welcomed this move, explaining:

“Public Procurement will be a vital tool for the next Labour Government to improve public service quality, sustainable development and living standards. These vital regulations cannot be rushed through without debate in parliament. Labour have rightly recognised that cut price contracting, which drives down wages and conditions, cannot continue as the Coalition want. There is another year under EU rules to consult on a new and better procurement system. Lets take that time and get it tight.”