Cable warns unions: strikes mean tougher laws

Vince Cable has been booed and heckled during a speech in which he told trade unions that future strikes would increase the "pressure" on him to legislate against such events.

Speaking at the GMB union's conference today, the business secretary warned against a planned walkout over government cuts, which could involve as many as 750,000 public sector workers, including teachers.

He used his speech to acknowledge the historically low level of strikes in the country, but also reminded union members that the case for tougher union laws would be strengthened "should strikes impose serious damage to our economic and social fabric".

GMB general secretary Paul Kenny had said earlier in the day that no strike could inflict damage similar to that done by "the banks and finance houses and frankly current government policy".

Read a full report at BBC News. ·