Len McLuskey, the general secretary designate of the Unite union, has said that public expenditure cuts constitute "an attack on the very social architecture that has held our nation together for 60-odd years".

Speaking to Today programme presenter Evan Davis, Mr McLuskey, who takes up his new role at the end of this month, said that nothing is set regarding strikes over the Easter period, adding that trades unions have the right to take action to defend jobs and services.

But McLuskey insisted "I'm not a deficit denier by any shape or form" and said that the deficit has been caused by "the spivs and the speculators, the greedy bankers"

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