Labour must listen

The UK's largest union, Unite, says the Labour leadership must "listen to trade union members' views and concerns" if it is to win the next election. Surveys of its members and of the general population have shown the concerns of both groups are very similar.

Both groups identified action on the NHS as the top priority followed by crime. Both groups also prioritised more affordable housing, pensions and job security.

The surveys found that Unite members are more likely to vote in the next election than the population at large, with 84% saying they would be likely or very likely to compared with 77% of the general public. But still over a third (35%) of them are undecided as to which way they would vote.

While Unite members are more likely to vote Labour than the general public (38% compared to 21%), 43% of them still believe that Gordon Brown has to do better to demonstrate he is hearing their concerns.

Unite joint general secretary Derek Simpson said: "Gordon Brown has enjoyed a strong start as prime minister but if he wants to continue to appeal both to the core Labour vote and to the wider electorate he should prioritise those policies our members have highlighted."