Angela Rayner Warns Against "Reformist" Agenda In Standing Ovation At TUC Congress
Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary Angela Rayner delivered a scathing critique of Reform UK today (14th September) during her address to the annual TUC Congress, warning that a Reform government would systematically dismantle protections for the British workforce.
Angela Rayner focused heavily on Reform’s opposition to the Employment Rights Act, telling delegates that the party would repeal both that and the Equality Act "in a heartbeat" if elected. She warned that such a move would leave millions of workers vulnerable to exploitative zero-hour contracts, delayed sick pay, and "fire and rehire" tactics.
The Secretary of State also targeted Reform’s ties to wealthy donors, suggesting the party would prioritize private interests over the public good. Referencing recent scandals involving two crypto billionaires who each donated £36 million to the party over the weekend, Angela claimed that these donors seek a government with "no workers’ rights, no renters’ rights, [and] no social protections." She concluded the attack by questioning Nigel Farage's motives, noting that if he would perform a Cameo for £70, one should consider what he would do for £70 million, asserting that Farage "can't pay [his] way out of accountability to the people of this country."
Beyond the political attacks, she outlined the Labour government's broader commitment to "unfinished business" regarding workers' lives. She emphasized a focus on building necessary housing, tackling rough sleeping, and returning power to local communities, specifically highlighting Andy Burnham's proposed "council housing revolution."
Angeal Rayner also touched upon a wider economic strategy involving a rising national minimum wage and a re-industrialisation plan designed to protect key industries and create high-quality jobs across the UK.
The speech was met with strong approval from the delegates, who concluded the address with a standing ovation.
The video of her address can be watched below, with the additional major points of her speech following:
Opening and tribute
She opened by paying tribute to her own union roots as a home carer on casual hours, saying UNISON gave her the tools to improve life for herself, her family, and the workers she went on to represent. She framed Labour and the trade union movement as having "grown up together, side by side."
Reflecting on the Employment Rights Bill
She looked back on the fact that she promised an Employment Rights Bill within 100 days three years ago at her last TUC address, despite being told it was impossible, and credited the room for helping deliver it. She listed the resulting gains: statutory sick pay from day one, new paternity and parental leave rights, simplified statutory recognition, stronger unfair dismissal protections, safeguards from sexual harassment, and a Fair Work Agency with union representation on its advisory board.
Attack on Reform UK
This was the sharpest section. She argued Reform voted against the Employment Rights Act and would repeal it along with the Equality Act if elected, warning this would strip millions of workers of zero-hours contract protections, sick pay, and job security. She then turned to the party's donors, saying Farage's crypto-money backers "know full well that a Reform government will act in their interests, not the public interest," pointedly asking what Farage "would do for seventy million" if he'd already do a paid Cameo for seventy pounds. She contrasted union subs — "the most highly regulated political funding we have" — with what she called offshore billionaires trying to buy British democracy, and vowed Labour would defend democracy from "any foreign dictator or fascist oligarch."
On the Burnham government
She praised Andy Burnham for "rewiring the state... the Labour way," citing falling NHS waiting lists, more GPs, and buses and rail back in public ownership. She linked her own career as a care worker to Burnham's focus on social care policy.
Forward agenda
She set out unfinished business: a "council housing revolution," tackling rough sleeping, bus fare caps, cuts to energy bills, new renters' and leaseholders' rights, a rising minimum wage, banning zero-hours contracts, and sector-wide fair pay agreements — particularly for school support staff and social care workers.
Source: TUC
