UNISON sends MPs message

MPs last month received Valentine's Day cards from public services union UNISON carrying the warning: "Don't wreck our hearts over public services".

Inside the cards said: "UNISON members are the heart of our public services. Plans to use private companies and private sector managers and talk of handing over our best hospitals will not only wreck our public services but also break our hearts."

It also carried a variation of the traditional rhyme: "Roses are red; Violets are blue; 83% love public services; We hope you do too!"

The 83% refers to a MORI poll survey for UNISON which found that 83% of the British public are against private companies running public services.