Labour must stop verbal fisticuffs, warns Unison's Dave Prentis

A senior union leader has urged Labour politicians to stop their "damaging squabbling" or the party has little chance of winning back popular support.

Dave Prentis, general secretary of Unison, said recent rows within the party had led voters to believe it does not understand the issues that matter to ordinary people.

Mr Prentis said families were anxiously waiting for details of the Comprehensive Spending Review next week and how it will impact on their finances.

"Standing up for these families and arguing against Government austerity is what the Labour Party should have been doing this week but instead we've seen yet more very public, incredibly damaging squabbling.

"Every time you think that things can't get any worse, they do. It's high time Labour got its act together. The party needs to start working together, against the Government, not each other.

"While people are worried about having enough money to feed their children, and pay their rent or mortgages, Labour is set on knocking seven bells out of one another. When so many are struggling to get by, divisive rows over Trident or shoot to kill are distractions no one needs.

"It's got to stop. If it doesn't, Labour stands little chance of winning back the millions who deserted the party in May. Labour must stop with the verbal fisticuffs and get back to showing ordinary people that the party is on their side."