Unite made its call, after it emerged that there is a black hole of billions in funding for the DIP, which was announced on Tuesday.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Everyday people have paid for too long, we need properly funded public services and British built defence. We cannot keep robbing Peter to pay Paul and pit worker against worker.’

“We must bite the bullet on a wealth tax to ensure our public services are protected and strengthened and loosen the fiscal rules so we can invest in British industry. This will produce the well-paid jobs and quality apprentices which generate the growth we need.

“In the sixth richest economy in the world the choice should not be about whether to defend our nation, or pay for schools, hospitals or roads - we must put workers and communities first. That will be central to Labour’s success.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

For media enquiries ONLY please contact Unite senior communications advisor Barckley Sumner on 07802 329235.

Email: barckley.sumner@unitetheunion.org

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Unite is the UK and Ireland’s leading union fighting to protect and advance jobs, pay and conditions for members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham