GMB on cabinet reshuffle

GMB has commented on abolition of DECC and appointment of Damian Green as Work and Pensions Secretary.

The dissolution of DECC and apparent removal of climate change from the explicit remit of any government department is an incomprehensible step says GMB

GMB has commented on the abolition of the Department of Energy and Climate Change and the appointment of Damian Green as Work and Pensions Secretary.

Dan Shears, GMB national officer, said “The dissolution of DECC and apparent removal of climate change from the explicit remit of any government department is an incomprehensible step. Whilst negotiating Brexit will dominate the remainder of this Parliament, combatting climate change impacts on the future of all of us. Our obligations, our ability to achieve carbon targets and our emissions are not solely dependent on our EU membership. The ending of DECC clearly shows that this government will pay nothing more than lip-service to this most crucial of policy areas.”

The new Work and Pensions Secretary, Damian Green, must ensure that the Health and Safety Executive is properly resourced to effectively identify negligent employers and hold them to account. Theresa May’s inaugural speech outside 10 Downing Street spoke of “fighting burning injustice”. There can be no greater injustice than losing your life in an avoidable incident due to employer negligence. The Prime Minister must appoint a new Health and Safety Minister with an understanding of the subject, and Damian Green must ensure a new settlement for the Health and Safety Executive that gives it its teeth back.

Contact: Dan Shears on 07918 767781 Justin Bowden on 07710 631351 or GMB press office on 07970 863411