The former Cabinet Minister asked why, if the Government did not intend to water down workers’ rights after Brexit, ministers were not prepared to enshrine this in the Bill by backing the amendment. Addressing the Minister, Solicitor General Robert Buckland, he said:

“There are members of the present Government who are not excessively fond of lizards and bats and/or of workers' rights, and we could be all reassured if he will undertake to put on the face of the bill reduced formal powers.”

The only conclusion we can draw is that some Conservatives - including Ministers - are indeed planning to use Brexit as an opportunity to restrict or scrap working people's rights, like paid holidays, equal pay, health and safety of rights for agency and temporary workers.

And yet Theresa May is today in Sweden at the Gothenburg Social Summit where European leaders are expected to sign up to a 'European Pillar of Social Rights' to improve rights for zero hours workers, parents and others.

TUC General Secretary Frances O'Grady called on the PM to take the opportunity to "win back workers’ trust by signing up to stronger rights for UK workers at the summit.

“She must reassure working people that a level playing field for workers’ rights will be written into the Brexit deal. Britain’s workers must not be left to fall behind the rest of Europe when future improvements are made."