Podcast appearances and mentions of len mccluskey

The Prime Minister's Rwanda bill was passed without amendments, and only eleven Conservative MPs voted against it. Rishi Sunak used a press conference to appeal to the House of Lords not to delay the legislation. Our Political Editor Kitty Donaldson was there, and she tells us what's likely to happen next. The Foreign Secretary David Cameron has been speaking to Bloomberg at the World Economic Forum in Davos - we bring you his thoughts on tensions in the Middle East and his party's chances in the next election. Plus: Former general secretary of the Unite trade union, Len McCluskey, joins us with his view of the Labour leadership and their pitch to be the party of business. Hosted by Caroline Hepker and Stephen Carroll. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special episode, recorded at the shop, Jeremy Corbyn and Margaret Busby read from and discuss the newly-published poetry anthology Poetry for the Many, edited by Jeremy Corbyn and Len McCluskey. The late and great Benjamin Zephaniah is also remembered, with readings from his poetry given by Pauline Melville. Music by Antony Hurley.

Iain Dale interviews former Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn and former General Secretary of Unite Len McCluskey, live from the Edinburgh Fringe. They talk contemporary politics and Jeremy's next steps, but they also discuss their new poetry book 'Poetry for the Many: An Anthology'.

See this as a tasting menu for the delights to come, in thirteen All Talk interviews recorded in front of a live audience at the Edinburgh Fringe. Featuring Mick Lynch, Jess Phillips, Alex Salmond and David Davis, Nicola Sturgeon, Chris Mullin and Sasha Swire, Wes Streeting, Harriet Harman, Polly Toynbee and Peter Hitchens, Penny Mordaunt, Jeremy Corbyn and Len McCluskey, Sir John Curtice and Brian Taylor - finishing with Humza Yousaf. Enjoy! The full episodes will all be released over the next few weeks.

Iain Dale interviews trade unionist and campaigner Len McCluskey. They discuss his childhood in Liverpool, taking on Margaret Thatcher's government and how unions have changed over the years, as well as the challenges from his time as General Secretary of Unite. Len's book is ALWAYS RED.

On what's thought to be the biggest single day of industrial action for a decade, we talk to Len McCluskey, the former leader of Britain's biggest union, Unite. He tells Adam what he thinks Sir Keir Starmer should be doing differently in response, and how he'd be trying to use ‘leverage' in negotiations. Adam also speaks to Americast presenter Sarah Smith about the funeral of Tyre Nichols, who died in Memphis last week after a beating by police. Today's episode was presented by Adam Fleming and was made by Tim Walklate with Chris Flynn, Miranda Slade and Cordelia Hemming. The technical producer was Emma Crowe. The editor was Damon Rose.

Len McCluskey on the fight for workers' rights You can find out more about him on Twitter @LenMcCluskey The Hardy Report is a political news and current affairs podcast, bringing you interviews with a range of activists, campaigners and politicians from across the political spectrum in the United States and the United Kingdom. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thehardyreport/support

Hear this full episode and much more by subscribing at patreon.com/reelpolitik For 80 mins (ok, some of which is dedicated to Turkish pastries and Metallica) Jack & Sinan (@TheSinanKose on Twitter, @SKTheCrusader on Twitch) go EVEN DEEPER into Len McCluskey's Always Red: his feud with the hated Tom Watson, his feud with the hated Gerard Coyne, and OUR feud with the hated Stephen Bush, on whom we do a reading series of sorts. Seriously, though, skip through that first 20 mins if you don't want to hear the discussion of Mediterranean delicacies and Metallica.

Further thoughts from Jack and friend of the show Sinan Kose (@SKTheCrusader on Twitch and @TheSinanKose on Twitter) on former Unite the union general secretary Len McCluskey's recent memoir Always Red, which we first reviewed on Sinan's stream recently. In these highlights from a longer conversation (more of which will be available tonight on the RP Patreon) we talk about the unique bind of Brexit on the left, the differences in political strategy between McCluskey and his (also left-wing) successor Sharon Graham, and go through McCluskey's account of his relationship with Keir Starmer the suspension of Jeremy Corbyn from the Labour Party. In addition to a further hour and a half or so of material at patreon.com/reelpolitik very shortly, you can listen to our initial review of McCluskey's book at https://soundcloud.com/reelpolitikpodcast/reviewing-len-mccluskeys-always-red-a-sinan-kose-stream-w-jack-frayne-reid or on this very feed on your podcast app of choice.

Jack joins Sinan Kose on his stream to talk about 'Always Red', the new memoir by the most formidable trade union leader of our lifetimes, Len McCluskey. Len, come on our podcast. Check out Sinan's Twitch stream @ twitch.com/SKTheCrusader Keep checking this feed and patreon.com/reelpolitik to hear us elaborate further on our thoughts on this book.

Len McCluskey, the outgoing Unite union leader, chats to Adam about Labour's chances at the next general election, and why he still wants Sir Keir Starmer to become prime minister even though he doesn't trust him. And...Attention travellers: we have some breaking news about changes to the government's rules on going abroad. Also, Newsnight's Diplomatic Editor Mark Urban is here to explain why the historic security pact known as AUKUS, between Australia, the UK and the US marks a major shift in diplomatic relations in the Asia-Pacific. Today's Newscast was made by Caitlin Hanrahan with Danny Wittenberg and Alix Pickles. The studio director was Nick Jones. Emma Close is the Assistant Editor and Jonathan Aspinwall is the Editor.

Following a sometimes ugly campaign, Britain's second largest trade union, Unite, has elected its first woman leader, Sharon Graham. But who exactly is she? Jealously guarding her privacy, Unite's new 52 year-old head represents a significant break with the union's retiring chief, Len McCluskey and, it would seem, his close political links with the Labour Party. Instead, centering her campaign on bringing the union "back to the workplace", Sharon Graham has emphasised her own focus on jobs, pay and conditions. She has called for "an obsession" with the Labour Party to stop and instead for "bad bosses" to be held to account. She claims to have won fifteen disputes without a defeat. But her policies are not without their critics. The strategy she has pioneered for "leveraging" disputes with employers by applying pressure across company activities has been attacked as "chilling". And within the union itself - where two-thirds of the members are men - accusations of misogyny have been levelled. Edward Stourton discovers how Sharon Graham has made it to the top of Unite, what makes her tick and what the union's members, employers, politicians and the public at large can expect from her. Among those taking part: Roz Foyer of the Scottish TUC; John Cooper of Unite; Gail Cartmail, President of the TUC; and Sebastian Payne of the Financial Times. Producer Simon Coates

Colonel James Sunderland starts the show, talking about Afghanistan. Liz Cole, Co-Founder of UsForThem tells Mike about the government planning to vaccinate 12 year olds. Andrew Woodcock from the Independent and Mike speak about how Sharon Graham wins race to succeed Len McCluskey as Unite general secretary. Finally, Angela Levin and Mike discuss the Duke and Duchess of Netflix. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Since 2010 Len McCluskey has been the general secretary of Unite, one of Britain's largest trade unions. That changes this year with the election of his successor, a three-way race between Gerard Coyne, Sharon Graham and today's guest on Downstream, Steve Turner.

The race to be Unite's next general secretary could not be more politically important: the union is as the very heart of the British left. But there are three left-wing candidates standing, and the right-wing candidate - Gerard Coyne - has every chance of winning because of a split vote. The political consequences for the left would be nothing short of catastrophic.Steve Turner - who won the most nominations - sets out his case to be Len McCluskey's successor: from his record as the chair of the People's Assembly Against Austerity to his lifelong commitment to socialism, why he supported Jeremy Corbyn to his anti-fascism, how Unite would fight for workers and left-wing policies - to what's at stake for all of us in this election.Help us take on the right wing media here: https://patreon.com/owenjones84Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-owen-jones-podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Unite General Secretary on Labour’s electoral woes, Starmer’s ‘failure’ and the politics of football

The 'F' word is a biggie - but as the government unleashes a crackdown on protest in atmosphere of increasingly intolerant right-wing populism, where is Britain headed? I'm joined by two brilliant guests: author Prof. Gargi Bhattacharyya and David Renton.Plus - we're joined by Steve Turner, assistant general secretary of Unite, on his bid to be Len McCluskey's successor, on a green industrial revolution, Keir Starmer, and much else.Help us take on the right-wing media here: https://patreon.com/owenjones84Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-owen-jones-podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

'I'm sorry we had to do this': PM puts Manchester into Tier 3 lockdown as talks turn sourTier 3 lockdown rules: What are the new restrictions for 'very high' alert areas?Sadiq Khan's plea: Mayor of London urges immediate scrapping of 10pm curfewAnti-Semitism row: Len McCluskey apologises after 'count gold' jibe at Peter MandelsonDie Another Day... and another: 'Why I've watched the same Bond film every week for six months'Breathing easy: Canadian town of Asbestos gives itself new nameTaking tweakments: The real reason more men are getting BotoxRead all these articles with a Telegraph subscription. Try a free one-month trial - then save 50pc on your first three months. Sign up here: http://bit.ly/2WRuvh9.

The Unite union executive has decided to cut its affiliation money to the Labour Party by 10%. How much does the modern Labour party rely on unions? And how much do the relationships at the top shape the left wing in British politics?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today and get one month free at: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes.Guest: Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall correspondent, The Sunday Times.Host: Manveen Rana. Clips used: BBC, The Guardian, The Telegraph. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Isabel Hardman rounds up the best of Sunday's interview shows, with clips coming from Matt Hancock, Sir Keir Starmer, Bob Woodward and Len McCluskey.

On this week's Peston Podcast, Robert Jenrick confirms the North East of England will be going into lockdown at midnight on Thursday, we discuss furlough coming to an end at the end of October and asking has our test and trace gone from world class, to world farce? Join ITV's Political Editor Robert Peston as he talks to Secretary of State Robert Jenrick, CEO of Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations Dr Richard Hatchett, Unite Union leader Len McCluskey, Gavin Barwell and Yvette Cooper. This podcast features the best interviews and political commentary from Wednesday night's Peston show on ITV. Remember to subscribe and rate 5 stars.

Rupa Huq, Labour MP for Ealing Central & Acton says Len McCluskey, Unite union leader and Labour's biggest individual donor, does not represent the party after criticism of payouts to former party whistleblowers over antisemitism. Huq also speaks to Bloomberg Westminster's Caroline Hepker about a second coronavirus wave as scientists warn the reopening of schools could lead to a surge in cases unless the U.K.'s test and tracing system is improved. Plus, taking a fazed approach to reopening it's charity shops, Zoe Abrams, executive director of the British Red Cross discusses the challenges faced by the NGO sector as the organization celebrates it's 150th anniversary.

Latest on the BLM protests & Aviation Industry Special with Willie Walsh, Len McCluskey, Henry Smith MP, John McDonnell MP amongst others.

Aaron Bastani and Michael Walker are joined by Unite general secretary Len McCluskey to discuss his new book ‘Why You Should Be a Trade Unionist’. Why Trade Unions Matter

Aaron Bastani and Michael Walker are joined by Unite general secretary Len McCluskey to discuss his new book ‘Why You Should Be a Trade Unionist’. Why Trade Unions Matter

Like many of Europe’s long-established parties of the left, the UK Labour Party is in big trouble. In last December’s election, Labour wasn’t just beaten, it was humiliated, losing its grip on working-class heartlands in the midlands and the North. Stephen Sackur interviews Len McCluskey, who will have a big say in the choice of the party’s next leader. He leads the Unite Union, which is Labour’s biggest financial backer. Who can save Labour from a slow death?

Len McCluskey joins me to talk about his new book, 'Why You Should Be A Trade Unionist'. We spoke about his own experience of becoming involved in the labour movement, what the unions could be doing to combat the conservative press, and we also talked about the Labour leadership contest and Len's position on freedom of movement.

Len McCluskey joins me to talk about his new book, Why You Should Be A Trade Unionist. We spoke about his own experience of becoming involved in the labour movement, what the unions could be doing to combat the conservative press, and we also talked about the Labour leadership contest and Len's position on freedom of movement.

Isabel Hardman takes you through the highlights from today's interviews, today featuring Priti Patel, Rory Stewart, Len McCluskey and Lord Butler. This podcast was produced by Matthew Taylor.

Len McCluskey is the General Secretary of Unite and one of the most influential figures in the Labour movement. This interview is a fascinating insight into every major issue facing the Labour Party in this election. Yes it's longer than usual but it's worth it. Email your funny campaign stories to politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com Sign up to Matt's mailing list for free treats and goodies: http://mattforde.com/mailing-list Get tickets to Matt's 'Brexit Pursued by a Bear' which starts at the Salford Lowry on Tuesday 14 January here: www.mattforde.com/live BREXIT, PURSUED BY A BEAR tour dates: 14 January - Salford Lowry 20 February - Crewe 21 February - Leicester 5 March - Darlington 6 March - Hexham 7 March - Bedford 10 March - London Southbank 18 March - Leeds 19 March - York 20 March - Alnwick 22 March - Southend 23 March - Cambridge 27 March - London Southbank 29 March - Brighton 7 April - Newcastle 8 April - Glasgow 9 April - Aberdeen 10 April - Chorley 12 April - Camberley 17 April - Corby 28 April - Exeter 30 April - Bristol 1 May - Gloucester 2 May - London Bloomsbury 7 May - Maidstone 13 May - Nottingham 20 May - Sheffield 21 May - Stafford 22 May - London Southbank 30 May - Edinburgh 31 May - Edinburgh See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Joining Iain Dale in the studio, as part of LBC's election coverage, is the General Secretary of Unite the union and Labour Party supporter, Len McCluskey.

IN this special episode of Podaganda journalists Ben Cowles and Steve Sweeney present the Morning Star’s fringe meeting, the Media War on Labour, at Labour Party Conference in Brighton last week. Speakers include: Carolyn Jones, vice-chair of the Morning Star’s management committee (2:23) Morning Star Editor Ben Chacko (6:22) Shadow home secretary Diane Abbott (13:00) Shadow chancellor John McDonnell (24:11) Communication Workers’ Union (CWU) general secretary Dave Ward (34:09) Bob Oram, chair of the Morning Star management committee (41:24) Unite general secretary Len McCluskey (42:02) Salma Yaqoob, Labour mayoral candidate for West Midlands Metro (55:20) Shadow justice secretary Ricard Burgon (1:04:33) RMT general secretary Mick Cash (1:17:59) Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard (1:1:25:00)   Brace yourself for profoundly left-wing views and some bad language   Show notes Follow Podaganda, Ben Cowles and Steve Sweeney on Twitter via: @PodagandaCast, @Cowlesz and @SweeneySteve. 

Day 1's come and gone, and a select group of Young Fabians have told us their fringe highlights, the latest gossip and even some policy announcements (not really). Join Mark, Helen, Jen, Mhairi, Lucy and Carolina while they go through the best fringe snacks, Ken Loach appearances, the abolition of Parliamentary democracy and Len McCluskey's lunch.We recorded this on our phone at the Conference Hotel bar, so the sound quality is, well, not great.Swearing will feature throughout, so if that's not your thing, tune back for our next episode. Follow us on social media to find out more: https://www.facebook.com/PodcastYFhttps://twitter.com/PodcastYfThe intro music is by ‘One in a Googolplex' and used under Creative Commons. Find out more about them here: https://oneinagoogolplex.bandcamp.com/

In a rare UK broadcast interview, EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker tells Sophy that a Brexit deal is possible but that a no deal will lead to a hard border in Ireland. Former Prime Minister David Cameron reveals his advice to Boris Johnson. And Jeremy Corbyn ally Len McCluskey says Shadow Cabinet members who cannot support the leader should "step aside".

Union leaders headed into Number 10 this week as Theresa May's cross-party Brexit talks continued. Gary grabbed half an hour with the man of the moment Len McCluskey and picked his brains over Labour's Brexit strategy and what a Corbyn government could look like.

HARDtalk’s Stephen Sackur speaks to Len McCluskey, leader of Britain’s biggest trade union and biggest donor to the Labour party. Brexit is tearing at the fabric of British politics. Theresa May’s proposed deal is hated by many in her Conservative party. It may well be rejected in a parliamentary vote next week. But the opposition Labour party is riven by division too. A clear majority of Labour members seem to want a second referendum as a pathway to reversing Brexit. But party leader Jeremy Corbyn says Brexit can’t be stopped. Could Brexit break the left apart? Image: Len McCluskey (Credit: Jeff Overs/BBC)

HARDtalk’s Stephen Sackur speaks to Len McCluskey, leader of Britain’s biggest trade union and biggest donor to the Labour party. Brexit is tearing at the fabric of British politics. Theresa May’s proposed deal is hated by many in her Conservative party. It may well be rejected in a parliamentary vote next week. But the opposition Labour party is riven by division too. A clear majority of Labour members seem to want a second referendum as a pathway to reversing Brexit. But party leader Jeremy Corbyn says Brexit can’t be stopped. Could Brexit break the left apart? Image: Len McCluskey (Credit: Jeff Overs/BBC)

The Unite leader on the dangers of the gig economy, why he wouldn't weep if Tony Blair left the Labour Party, his enduring love of poetry and the end of a friendship.

Helen and Stephen discuss the Brexiteers' magical thinking on the customs union, Len McCluskey's forthright intervention on anti-Semitism in the Labour party in this week's New Statesman magazine, and the new statue of Millicent Fawcett in Parliament Square.Send us your questions for future episodes via Twitter @ns_podcasts, @helenlewis, @stephenkb or join us on Facebook for a live Q&A.Further reading:Len McCluskey: The Corbyn ulitmatum. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

General Secretary of Unite the Union, Len McCluskey, joined Mick Coyle on Liverpool Live too talk about the meeting he had with PSA regarding the Vauxhall Ellesmere Port plant. He told Mick how he is reasonably optimistic about talks and how he believes discussions will continue.  Len also spoke about the recent uncertainty surrounding production at the Jaguar Land Rover Halewood site and how he is due to meet with Jaguar bosses in February.

After a week in the UK it is easy to see how the weather affects our different ways of life!A majority of Catalans, 56%, feel that the independence referendum announced by the regional government for October 1 is neither valid nor legal, considering the voting conditions and the way lawmakers got the referendum law passed. The Spanish Civil Guard has arrested seven British nationals suspected of cheating Spanish hotels out of 8364;60 million through phony food poisoning claims. Most of the hotels that fell prey to the scam are located in the Balearic Islands. City of Bilbao advises cocaine users to chop up your line nice and fine;Authorities pull campaign following social controversy over safe use recommendations. For the first time ever, two Spanish tennis players occupy the first places in the male and female world rankings. Garbie Muguruza holds the number one position for the ladies while Rafael Nadal, who has held the position three times previously, dominates the ATP. The weather has turned very windy in the UK with all the attendant problems.Top Eurocrat Jean-Claude Juncker dismissed Brexit today as he demanded all member states sign up to even closer ties.In his annual state of the EU address, the commission president warned Britain that it would 'regret' leaving the bloc. A story that went under the radar in the UK involved a husband and wife who discussed drugging and raping babies on WhatsApp in a paedophile love triangle have been freed from jail after serving a fraction of their sentence .Len McCluskey has compared himself to Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela as his fellow union barons threatened a wave of illegal strikes. A shocking video has emerged of a grinning reveller grinding against a female police officer at Notting Hill Carnival which some social media users have slammed as being 'sexual assault'.

After a week in the UK it is easy to see how the weather affects our different ways of life!A majority of Catalans, 56%, feel that the independence referendum announced by the regional government for October 1 is neither valid nor legal, considering the voting conditions and the way lawmakers got the referendum law passed. The Spanish Civil Guard has arrested seven British nationals suspected of cheating Spanish hotels out of 8364;60 million through phony food poisoning claims. Most of the hotels that fell prey to the scam are located in the Balearic Islands. City of Bilbao advises cocaine users to chop up your line nice and fine;Authorities pull campaign following social controversy over safe use recommendations. For the first time ever, two Spanish tennis players occupy the first places in the male and female world rankings. Garbie Muguruza holds the number one position for the ladies while Rafael Nadal, who has held the position three times previously, dominates the ATP. The weather has turned very windy in the UK with all the attendant problems.Top Eurocrat Jean-Claude Juncker dismissed Brexit today as he demanded all member states sign up to even closer ties.In his annual state of the EU address, the commission president warned Britain that it would 'regret' leaving the bloc. A story that went under the radar in the UK involved a husband and wife who discussed drugging and raping babies on WhatsApp in a paedophile love triangle have been freed from jail after serving a fraction of their sentence .Len McCluskey has compared himself to Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela as his fellow union barons threatened a wave of illegal strikes. A shocking video has emerged of a grinning reveller grinding against a female police officer at Notting Hill Carnival which some social media users have slammed as being 'sexual assault'.

The latest 'Sophy Ridge on Sunday' podcast features interviews with Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell and former UKIP leader Nigel Farage. Sophy also speaks to Dr Sarah Wollaston MP about problems in the NHS, the man challenging Len McCluskey for the leadership of Unite, Gerard Coyne, and provides additional analysis on what her guests had to say. #Ridge

Welcome to 2017! This week, Helen and Stephen talk about foreign aid, their predictions for the year ahead and Len McCluskey's game-plan at Unite. Amelia Tait joins to discuss the power of false memory. And you ask us: what to make of the latest Star Wars film? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In another 3Prong sports special, Prong 1 has surprising views on half and half scarfs and shares a pint with Len McCluskey and has advice for AP McCoy. Meanwhile Prong 2 almost gets into a fight..

From the archive, Unite's Len McCluskey talks Labour and his preference for Andy Burnham, and sings for his pudding.

General secretary of Unite, Len McCluskey, speaking at the 129th Durham Miners' Gala in 2013. Read our summary of all the speeches in our article, "Len McCluskey ‘ready for Labour union reform’": http://durhamtoday.co.uk/wp/?p=1634

In this episode, we discuss our Len McCluskey interview, ask whether tattoos will ever hang in the Louvre, look at spring books with Jonathan Derbyshire, hear about America from Nicky Woolf, and follow up on the role that Reddit played in the hunt for the Boston bombers. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The leader of Britain's biggest trade union, Unite's Len McCluskey, speaks to 5 live listeners about the possibility of a general strike and defends his total salary package of over £100,000. He also expresses doubts to Victoria Derbyshire over whether the Labour Party could win the next general election.

In Spain. families are cutting back on their food bill due to the financial crisis, according to government statistics. Popular items such as meat and fish are being dropped in favour of cheaper alternatives like pasta, rice and cheap meats. Spending on food per person fell in three consecutive months, with September witnessing a 2.3% fall and a decrease of 1.8% in October. In Algeria, fanatics have attacked workers at a gas plant. The outrage — ordered by Mokhtar Belmokhtar — killed 23 hostages and 32 militants over the course of four days at BP’s In Amenas gas plant, according to the Algerian government. It is believed 11 fanatics linked to al-Qaeda executed seven hostages before being killed by Algerian special forces in yesterday’s bloody desert showdown. After Lance Armstrong decided to open his heart to Oprah Winfreh, star cyclist Mark Cavendish fears no one will believe pro cyclists are clean again. Vavendish, the sprint ace, says the shamed star was so convincing in the past when lying about performance enhancing drugs, the TV revelations will leave the public wondering if cyclists are telling the truth forever more. Last night he said: “He was a hero to anyone wanting to be cyclist when I was growing up, but when he was asked in the past if he was cheating he was so adamant, so convincing. “I get irritated when people question if my success is through hard work, but after seeing the interview, I can now understand why people have a problem with believing us today when we say we are clean. “They could think ‘if Lance lied so well, so could they’.” BRITAIN’S top union boss has been accused of brainwashing after launching a secret bid to sign up schoolkids. Unite leader Len McCluskey has set up a team of “union tutors” to target every 15-year-old in the country. The hardline Left-winger has ordered his hit-squad to visit secondary schools as part of a campaign to “educate, agitate and organise”. A MIGRANT mum thanked the UK yesterday for letting her claim £14,500 a year in benefits. Natalija Belova, 33, told The Sun how she spurns full-time work — yet can afford foreign holidays and buys designer clothes. The Lithuanian said: “British benefits give me and my daughter a good life.” She has milked soft-touch Britain for £50,000 in benefits and yesterday said: "I simply take what is given to me." Overjoyed Natalija told how she lives a life of luxury thanks to our “strange” system, declaring: “It’s important to have nice things and good holidays.”

In Spain. families are cutting back on their food bill due to the financial crisis, according to government statistics. Popular items such as meat and fish are being dropped in favour of cheaper alternatives like pasta, rice and cheap meats. Spending on food per person fell in three consecutive months, with September witnessing a 2.3% fall and a decrease of 1.8% in October. In Algeria, fanatics have attacked workers at a gas plant. The outrage — ordered by Mokhtar Belmokhtar — killed 23 hostages and 32 militants over the course of four days at BP’s In Amenas gas plant, according to the Algerian government. It is believed 11 fanatics linked to al-Qaeda executed seven hostages before being killed by Algerian special forces in yesterday’s bloody desert showdown. After Lance Armstrong decided to open his heart to Oprah Winfreh, star cyclist Mark Cavendish fears no one will believe pro cyclists are clean again. Vavendish, the sprint ace, says the shamed star was so convincing in the past when lying about performance enhancing drugs, the TV revelations will leave the public wondering if cyclists are telling the truth forever more. Last night he said: “He was a hero to anyone wanting to be cyclist when I was growing up, but when he was asked in the past if he was cheating he was so adamant, so convincing. “I get irritated when people question if my success is through hard work, but after seeing the interview, I can now understand why people have a problem with believing us today when we say we are clean. “They could think ‘if Lance lied so well, so could they’.” BRITAIN’S top union boss has been accused of brainwashing after launching a secret bid to sign up schoolkids. Unite leader Len McCluskey has set up a team of “union tutors” to target every 15-year-old in the country. The hardline Left-winger has ordered his hit-squad to visit secondary schools as part of a campaign to “educate, agitate and organise”. A MIGRANT mum thanked the UK yesterday for letting her claim £14,500 a year in benefits. Natalija Belova, 33, told The Sun how she spurns full-time work — yet can afford foreign holidays and buys designer clothes. The Lithuanian said: “British benefits give me and my daughter a good life.” She has milked soft-touch Britain for £50,000 in benefits and yesterday said: "I simply take what is given to me." Overjoyed Natalija told how she lives a life of luxury thanks to our “strange” system, declaring: “It’s important to have nice things and good holidays.”

As the threat of strike action by fuel tanker drivers looms over the Easter break, Mukul Devichand profiles Len McCluskey, the left winger who became general secretary of Unite in 2010. As the UK's biggest union and the Labour party's biggest donor, Unite is often in the headlines - many generated by its leader. Len McCluskey courted controversy by raising the prospect of strikes during the Olympics and was roundly criticised by both the Coalition and the Labour party. He has been an outspoken critic of Ed Miliband's leadership despite having played a key role in getting him elected. This week's Profile asks what Len McCluskey stands for and charts his journey from white-collar worker on the Liverpool docks to the most powerful trade union leader in the country.Presenter: Mukul Devichand Producer: Phillip Kemp.

Britain has already seen the first skirmishes in what could be a protracted battle between the Cameron government and organised labour. In the short term, schools and fuel suuplies could be hit by strikes; looking further ahead, there's talk of union protests targeting the London Olympics. Stephen Sackur speaks to Len McCluskey, leader of Unite, Britain's biggest union. He talks of defending workers' rights within the law, and outside it, if necessary. How far is he prepared to go?