527. Freedom of association under domestic law.

There is no positive right of association under the common law, although the domestic courts have consistently recognised the autonomy of associations in controlling their membership1 and in some cases have recognised a right of private association2. Historically, the courts have viewed collective activity with considerable suspicion3: similarly, the common law confers no right to strike and its focus on the protection of property and contractual rights is necessarily antithetical to any form of industrial action