Shameful strike threatens Olympics

In less than a fortnight, the London Olympic Games will start. Despite the controversy over  the G4S debacle, preparations have actually gone remarkably well. This is is a £10 billion, seven year project. To expect no problems at all over that time would be completely unrealistic, and previous Games all had their share of issues. The Athens Olympics spiralled substantially over budget and many venues were only completed at the last minute - but completed they were. The Sydney Games were plagued with transport ahead of the opening ceremony, but by the time the games started the problems were resolved. It will be the same for London.

But there is another issue on the horizon now. Not an unexpected problem that everyone is pulling together to resolve, but a deliberate act of sabotage. You all know what I'm referring to. The prospect of trade union strike action designed to undermine the 2012 Olympic Games.

The Public and Commercial Services Union have pledged to lead airport immigration staff out on strike, just as thousands of overseas visitors are coming to Britain to visit the greatest capital city on Earth and to watch the London Olympic Games that so many people in this country have worked so hard to put together. Union sources said the strike will be timed to cause ‘maximum pain’. This is despite just 1 in 10 PCS members voting for strike action.

People are entitled to take lawful industrial action. If the PCS union has a grievance they are entitled to take strike action as part of their grievance. But I have absolutely no sympathy with them taking action to sabotage the London Olympics. Ten billion pounds and years of work, the eyes of the world on London, our athletes preparing for the contests of their lives. For the PCS union to deliberately undermine all of that is nothing short of appalling self indulgence. Indefensible. Unforgivable. No national pride. No respect for the British people. They should hang their heads in shame.