Brown warned on Labour-union link

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The joint leader of the UK's largest trade union has warned Gordon Brown he will fight plans to change the Labour party's constitution.

Derek Simpson of Unite said proposals to reduce the union's policy-making role would be resisted, as delegates gather for TUC conference in Brighton.

He linked the move to a long-term process of diluting union influence within Labour dating back to the 1950s.

Mr Simpson added the party faced defeat if it did not engage its core support.

BBC political correspondent Martin Shankleman said his comments reflect growing unease among union leaders at plans which would effectively deprive them of the power to pass last-minute motions at Labour's conference.

Mr Simpson implied that unions might be approaching a line they were not prepared to cross.

With party membership falling, he said that it was time for Mr Brown to set Labour on a new course.

Earlier, Mr Simpson warned that the role of temporary employment agencies in pushing down wages and eroding workers' rights was "one of the biggest scandals you can imagine".