Baroness Angela Smith of Basildon, Labours Leader in the House of Lords

responded:
This resounding defeat at the hands of Peers from all sides shows just how
poor the Government has been in making its case for opt-in and an overhaul
of the trade union political fund.
Ministers should rethink their opposition to the recommendations made by
Lord Burns cross-party Committee. Those proposals would certainly not be
pain-free for the Labour Party but they suggest a proportionate, reasonable
and practical compromise. A compromise that would allow the government to
fulfil its manifesto commitment without placing unrealistic demands on the
trade union movement.
I also hope that Conservative MPs and others take time to read the
recommendations of Lord Burns committee and the evidence it took, and to
then respond in an equally reasonable way when this issue comes to the floor
of the House of Commons after Easter.
Ends