U.K. Labour Pledges ‘Battle’ Over Workers’ Rights After Brexit

Shadow Chancellor McDonnell would take over PFI contracts
Says Labour to call for protection of EU citizens’ rights

John McDonnell speaks during the Labour Party Annual Conference in Brighton on Sept. 25, 2017.
Photographer: Simon Dawson/Bloomberg

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By Svenja O'Donnell

September 25, 2017 at 1:03 PM UTC

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U.K. Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer John McDonnell said Conservative ministers face "the political battle of their lives" if they try to weaken workers’ rights as a result of Britain’s departure from the European Union.

McDonnell also pledged to protect the rights of EU citizens in the U.K., one of the main bones of contention between Prime Minister Theresa May’s negotiators and their counterparts in Brussels, saying their treatment by the Tory government has been "brutal."