Corbyn and Mcdonnell both sidestep illegal strikes issue

JEREMY CORBYN and John Mcdonnell both refused to condemn illegal strikes yesterday, as unions threatened walkouts in the weeks to come.

The shadow chancellor and the Labour leader repeatedly failed to rule out backing walkouts that arise as a result of ballots that do not meet new legal thresholds, as the party’s annual conference got under way in Brighton. Len Mccluskey, the boss of Unite, has called for illegal action to overturn the public sector pay cap.

Speaking on ITV1’S Peston On Sunday programme, Mr Mcdonnell said the issue would not arise as strike ballots would meet the turnout threshold. “I don’t think anyone understands properly the strength of the anger out there,” he said. “

Tom Watson, the party’s deputy leader, has said Labour MPS would not back illegal action.

Mr Corbyn sidestepped the question during an appearance on the BBC’S The Andrew Marr Show, prompting the journalist to ask what had happened to the straight-talking politician.

“I will be with those workers demanding a decent pay rise,” he replied.

Mr Watson said that while Labour was committed to changing existing trade union legislation, it did not want people to break the law.

He said: “I have actually received a letter from Len Mccluskey this week where he says he accepts Labour MPS aren’t going to support calls for illegal strike action,” he told Sky News’s Sunday with Niall Paterson.

Mr Mccluskey confirmed he would not be looking for support from Labour MPS.