Blair warns against union 'delusions'

Blair dined with union bosses on Tuesday evening

Tony Blair has told union leaders not to delude themselves about having a more left-wing government as his policies face a day of criticism at the TUC annual congress.

One union leader has cast doubt on whether Mr Blair actually made some of the tough remarks attributed to him by Labour officials when he dined privately with the TUC governing council.

The Iraq war, controversial plans for foundation hospitals and public services are set to dominate the third day of the conference in Brighton.

Just a day after Chancellor Gordon Brown apparently failed to quell trade unionist concern about the direction the government has taken over these issues, many of the differences are likely to be aired during these three debates.

The idea of a left-wing Labour government as the alternative to a moderate and progressive one is the abiding delusion of 100 years of our party Tony Blair

According to extracts of his speech at the TUC dinner put out in a press release, Mr Blair said: "The idea of a left-wing Labour government as the alternative to a moderate and progressive one is the abiding delusion of 100 years of our party.

"Sensible trade unions - and most Labour Party members - know this government is doing its best for working people."

Derek Simpson, general secretary of the Amicus union, said he could not recall Mr Blair making some of the comments issued under his name - including the "delusions" remark.

"His remarks were, in fact, I thought quite conciliatory," Mr Simpson told BBC Two's Newsnight.

There has also already been much opposition expressed about the government's policy in Iraq.

On Monday, Tony Woodley, of the Transport and General Workers' Union, told a fringe meeting that Mr Blair should resign over the Iraq war.

Asked about that comment after the TUC dinner, Mr Blair said it was always the trade unionists using the most "extravagant" language who got the biggest headlines.

Most union leaders recognised the government had achieved a lot, he argued. Ministers should consult and listen to the unions but had to govern for the whole of the country, he added.

'No soft options'

Many unions applaud the current investment in public services undertaken by Mr Brown but have strong concerns over the planned reforms.

The chancellor's speech on Tuesday received only brief applause as he delivered an uncompromising message that he would not yield "short term fixes or soft options".

There was a more subdued tone about the economic outlook, in contrast to the triumphalism and optimism at the time of the last Budget Analysis: Return of the Iron Chancellor

Mr Brown outlined what he considered some of the government's successes, including extra nurses and teachers.

But he insisted that with investment must come reform, that both efficiency and value for money was expected.

And he said a strong economy would allow the government to reach its goal of full employment and build prosperity "for all".

Criticism

Speaking after the address, Unison boss Dave Prentis said the chancellor had repeated many achievements already recognised by his audience but failed to "address the differences between us".

"I am not saying that it was a bad speech because it touched all the buttons.

"But he did it in a way that was safe and I think he was more conscious of not rubbing anyone up the wrong way and giving any commitments that could be perceived by the CBI or the media as moving towards a union position."

Mr Prentis noted Mr Brown did not mention foundation hospitals.

Despite facing criticism, the government won union praise for boosting investment in health and education.