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London 2012: Clegg condemns Unite's Olympics strike threat London 2012: Unite's Olympics strike threat condemned
(39 minutes later)
  
Ministers have condemned suggestions from the leader of Britain's biggest union that workers should consider striking during the London Olympics. Suggestions from the leader of the UK's biggest union that workers could strike during the London Olympics have been condemned by political leaders.
Len McCluskey, of Unite, told the Guardian that civil disobedience could be timed to disrupt the 2012 Games.Len McCluskey, of Unite, told the Guardian that civil disobedience could be timed to disrupt the 2012 Games.
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said people would be "gobsmacked, appalled" at the idea of disrupting "one of the greatest events in the world". A spokesman for Prime Minister David Cameron called the idea "unacceptable and unpatriotic". Labour has also criticised Mr McCluskey's comments.
However, union sources told the BBC there were no specific strike plans.However, union sources told the BBC there were no specific strike plans.
Mr Clegg told ITV's Daybreak programme: "I know he is the sort of paymaster of the Labour Party but I hope [party leader] Ed Miliband will rein him in." Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg told the BBC: "People will just be gobsmacked, appalled, at Mr McCluskey's remarks.
"At a time when we can showcase to the world that we are positively and optimistically putting on this fantastic event, he wants to bring people out on the streets."
The Liberal Democrat leader said to "mess up the Olympics to prove a point" would be bad for the country and called on Labour leader Ed Miliband to "rein in" Mr McCluskey, whose union is Labour's largest donor.
Conservative co-chairman Baroness Warsi agreed, calling the comments "an appalling display of naked self-interest".Conservative co-chairman Baroness Warsi agreed, calling the comments "an appalling display of naked self-interest".
"It is disgraceful for a trade union boss to be calling for mass disruption when the eyes of the world will be on Britain," she told the BBC."It is disgraceful for a trade union boss to be calling for mass disruption when the eyes of the world will be on Britain," she told the BBC.
"I am shocked that Unite would sink so low as to spoil this great national event for everyone else."
'Right to protest''Right to protest'
Mr McCluskey had told the Guardian: "If the Olympics provide us with an opportunity, then that's exactly one that we should be looking at.Mr McCluskey had told the Guardian: "If the Olympics provide us with an opportunity, then that's exactly one that we should be looking at.
"The attacks that are being launched on public sector workers at the moment are so deep and ideological that the idea the world should arrive in London and have these wonderful Olympic Games as though everything is nice and rosy in the garden is unthinkable."The attacks that are being launched on public sector workers at the moment are so deep and ideological that the idea the world should arrive in London and have these wonderful Olympic Games as though everything is nice and rosy in the garden is unthinkable.
"Our very way of life is being attacked. By then this crazy Health and Social Care Bill may have been passed, so we are looking at the privatisation of our National Health Service."Our very way of life is being attacked. By then this crazy Health and Social Care Bill may have been passed, so we are looking at the privatisation of our National Health Service.
"The unions, and the general community, have got every right to be out protesting.""The unions, and the general community, have got every right to be out protesting."
Mr McCluskey said the purpose of protest was "to bring your grievances to the attention of as many people as possible".Mr McCluskey said the purpose of protest was "to bring your grievances to the attention of as many people as possible".
However, shadow Olympics minister Tessa Jowell said no athlete or visitor would understand or sympathise with any disruption. However, Mr Miliband said: "Any threat to the Olympics is totally unacceptable and wrong.
She said: "If this is a negotiation it should take place in private. Unions and employers should get together and sort it out without threats or disruption to Britain's Olympics." "This is a celebration for the whole country and must not be disrupted."
BBC political correspondent Norman Smith said Unite insiders - asked about their general secretary's comments - had played down the prospect of strikes, with one saying there was "nothing specific planned". Earlier, his deputy Harriet Harman had told the BBC it was inconceivable that union members would want to disrupt the Games.
BBC political correspondent Norman Smith said Unite insiders had played down the prospect of strikes, with one saying there was "nothing specific planned".
"They take the view Mr McCluskey was letting off steam at his frustrations with government policy but they are acutely aware [strike action] would be deeply unpopular and probably counter-productive," our correspondent added.