Byers urges Labour union rethink

Mr Byers will warn over a proposed "super union"

Labour must re-examine its trade union links "to keep in touch with the things that really matter to the people", ex-minister Stephen Byers is to say.

The ex-transport secretary will tell a union conference in Tyneside that links should be maintained, but modernised.

He will say the priorities of a "small, unrepresentative number of people" must not "distort" Labour's programme.

The Transport and General Workers Union said unions continued "to play a positive part" in arguing for policies.

The North Tyneside MP will tell Saturday's Unison Northern Labour Link conference that Labour's union links should be maintained "to reflect today's political reality".

'Keep relevance'

"Labour must learn the lessons of its own history and ensure that the priorities of a small, unrepresentative number of people are not allowed to distort our programme," he will say.

"We should do this not to betray our principles, as some would allege, but in order to keep our relevance as a political party."

The party could keep in touch with British people by "broadening levels of involvement", he will add.

And fellow Labour MP Angela Eagle told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that the party would be "mad" to get rid of the trade union link.

The unions will continue to play a progressive and positive part in arguing for the policies that can secure us a fourth term in government Tony Woodley TGWU

The Wallasey MP said: "Labour party members want to keep the trade union link, they really value the organisational strength and the support that trade union links gives us, directly to six million organised people in the workforce."

Mr Byers will also warn over a possible merger between the TGWU and GMB to create a two-million member "super union".

The new union, coupled with Unison, would account for 40% of the Labour Party conference vote, he will say.

This could lead to "considerable hostility" from the general public "to the perception that two union general secretaries can effectively dictate Labour Party policy", he will add.

And Ms Eagle said that should a "super union" be formed, then the link between party and unions may have to change.

However she said unions often talked of mergers without them always going ahead.

'Positive part'

TGWU general secretary Tony Woodley said Mr Byers had argued "for many years that unions need to be excluded from any voice in the Labour Party".

Unions spoke for the "concerns of ordinary Labour voters on one issue after another", he added.

"He may be right about a 'small unrepresentative number of people' distorting Labour's values, but he should look closer to home to find them," Mr Woodley said.

"The unions will continue to play a progressive and positive part in arguing for the policies that can secure us a fourth term in government."