PM rejects union strike demands

The prime minister has rejected union demands for new strike rights, saying there would be no return to 1970s-style industrial relations.

Gordon Brown did indicate he was prepared to consider their calls for family-friendly workplace reforms, such as extended rights for parents to take days off.

Unions are currently preparing demands for the next Labour manifesto, to be put forward at a party policy forum the day after the crucial Glasgow East by-election.

The GMB said over the weekend it would be lobbying for "modernising" voting in industrial action and election ballots, reform of the national insurance system and better regulation of energy prices.

But Brown, speaking en route to Japan for the G8 summit, ruled out reversing recent reforms of industrial relations laws.

"Successful governments are those whose eyes are fixed on the future, not harking back to the past," he told reporters.

"The countries that prosper in the future will be those that combine fairness with flexibility to achieve full employment.

"So there will be no return to the 1970s, the 1980s or even the 1990s when it comes to union rights, no retreat from continued modernisation and there can be no question of any reintroduction of secondary picketing rights.

"While we will push ahead with out family friendly agenda we will do nothing that puts employment and future prosperity at risk."