Drivers on the London Underground are to stage a 48-hour "go-slow" next month, union officials have announced.

RMT leader Bob Crow has announced that the action will take place on Monday 8 and Tuesday 9 December.

The union's members voted to back strikes in a bid to get maintenance work on London Underground brought back under the control of Tube bosses rather than private firms.

The RMT also wants 24-hour safety checks and speed restrictions on unsafe sections of the network.

"We regret the disruption this will inevitably cause Tube users, but we hope they will continue to show the understanding that these actions are being taken for safety reasons," Crow said.

But Tim O'Toole, managing director of London Underground, claimed industrial action would not force management to reconsider their stance.

"The way forward is for the RMT, all unions and Tube staff to work with me to make sure we can run the Tube safely and efficiently," he said.

Conservative transport spokesman Damian Green has attacked the plans.

"The decision to 'go slow' on the day the England team is holding a procession to celebrate their World Cup victory is particularly disappointing," he said."This will no doubt cause major disruption in the city and will annoy those wishing to attend the celebrations. I am appalled that the RMT have decided to go ahead with this strike action.

"Many people are concerned about safety issues on London Underground lines but staging a 'go slow' is not the answer."