IT WAS NICE of Attorney-Genera Michael Havers to explain the
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!al; picketing to MPs. Now we all k where we stand, be we pickets, 1 supporters or enemies, or policemen.
As he pointed out, too many ban room lawyers have been talking a the issues, so it was good to have t spelled out with all the force and kt ledge of a Government law officer.
In future, there need be no doubt a what to do. Any lorry driver stopped not-too-friendly group in the midd the road has just to say "The Attor General has made it plain that the dom to picket does not confer or ii any right to stop vehicles."
Shamefacedly, the pickets will ml apologies and fade from the scene.
Sir Michael may believe that this happen, that his word is law. Others have to face up to realities far rem from the comparative peace of the H of Commons may see things differ( — including those policemen who ped lorries far from the besieged s works at Sheerness, and advised the turn back.
And should any driver brace or fo enough to pass a picket line notice details about him and his vehicle being noted, he need have no wo about his union card being withdi and his job being lost. Sir Michael comforting words for him as well.
If the union rules permit it, thei card can be withdrawn. If the rule not, then the aggrieved driver h simple remedy — he can take his unii court.
With no work to do, he can spen. time preparing a foolproof case prc that he is right and the union is wroi he is not entirely confident of his for abilities, then he can use his unemi ment pay or his savings to enlist the of a lawyer who will be able to face the legal talent the union will no d have on parade.
It is, perhaps, being rather unfa cast doubts on the value of Attorney-General's statement. It tainly cleared up the misunderstan( which, as he explained, have often a through reading newspapers — fo stance that lorries may be stoppe pickets from entering works.
But one could not dispel the fe( that what he was saying was "This i: law, and it's up to you lot out thei obey it or to see that it is obeyed."