Yes “THE” Aiden Burley MP

The Branch website had the recent article about Right Wing Tory MPs asking loaded questions to the Prime Minister about the cost of facility time. The article started “The prime minister's threat to remove funding for the time public sector union reps take to do their union work ignores the life- and cash-saving role these reps play, the TUC has said. David Cameron told the Commons last week: 'I do not think full-time trade unionists working in the public sector on trades union business, rather than serving the public, is right, and we will put that to an end.' Safety Practitioner, the magazine of safety professionals' organisation IOSH, reported: 'The prime minister's remarks came a week after he wrote a letter of support to Aidan Burley MP, who is spearheading the Trade Union Reform Campaign (TURC) in a bid to cut the facilities time funding. The prime minister wrote: 'Few would take issue with the unions working on behalf of their members in government departments and other public bodies in their own time, or with union funding.' TURC co-founder Mr Burley was asked in the Commons whether he had considered the benefit union reps provide in identifying and preventing health and safety problems in the workplace. He replied: 'My direct answer to the honourable gentleman is to ask what he thinks the human resources department, or the Health and Safety Executive are for. Public sector organisations have those people, so there is total duplication.'

Eagle eyed readers may have noticed that the Spearhead of the Trade Union Reform Campaign has also been in the news recently for some of his other activities:

“French prosecutors are investigating a Nazi-themed stag party attended by the Conservative MP Aidan Burley.”

The MP for Cannock in Staffordshire has previously apologised for the "inappropriate behaviour" of fellow guests at the stag party.

'Wrong decision'

He said he had not been contacted by the French authorities.

It is thought the investigation has been triggered by a complaint to the prosecutor from French anti-racism group SOS Racisme.

In a statement, Mr Burley said: "Being involved in a stag party where an SS uniform was worn was wrong and offensive.

"It was the wrong decision on my part; crass and insensitive.

"I am deeply sorry, and want to take this opportunity to offer the people of Cannock Chase an unreserved, wholehearted and full apology for the terrible offence this incident has undoubtedly caused.

"It has been an unbelievably difficult 10 days for my family and friends, and I feel ashamed that Cannock Chase has been placed in the limelight as a result of my behaviour.

'Foolish' conduct

"My family have been through hell, and I want to thank them in particular for the love, courage and support they have given me."

Ian Austin, shadow work and pensions minister and Labour MP for Dudley North, said: "David Cameron and the Tories tried to brush this under the carpet, but the scandal surrounding Aidan Burley's disgraceful conduct is not going away.

"Surely the prime minister must take the whip off Mr Burley while this investigation is taking place."

Mr Cameron has ordered an inquiry.

A Downing Street spokesman reiterated that Mr Burley's conduct had been "offensive and foolish".

Possible charges under French law that could stem from wearing Nazi uniforms include incitement to racial hatred and being an apologist for Nazi war crimes.

Under French law prosecutors are obliged to follow up complaints that allege criminal wrongdoing. A preliminary investigation is then launched to ascertain whether any crimes have been committed.

A preliminary investigation is not a criminal investigation but if it is decided a crime has been committed a formal judicial investigation will be launched which could include the naming of suspects.

Reports of activities on the “Nazi themed” night out include chanting ‘Hitler, Hitler, Hitler’, toasting the ‘Third Reich’ and taunting a waiter for being French.