Michael Dugher MP, Labour’s Shadow Cabinet Office Minister, responding to Tory proposals on strike thresholds, said:   “This is desperate stuff by a Conservative Party that has given up any pretence of standing up for working people.    "Most government ministers don’t manage to get 50 per cent of the popular vote at elections, the Tories didn’t get anywhere near a majority at the last election and turnout in the elections they called on Police and Crime Commissioners was below 15 per cent. Yet they have the cheek to lecture others.    "The current laws governing strikes were introduced by Margaret Thatcher - not exactly a friend of the unions.    "What we’ve seen in recent weeks is a government desperate for a fight with the unions rather than busting a gut to always try and reach negotiated settlements to avoid industrial action.”   ENDS