The newly elected leader of Britain's largest trade union has launched a blistering attack on former US President Donald Trump and issued a stark warning to Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour government.
A Scathing Critique of Labour's Record
In a powerful statement, UNISON General Secretary Elect Andrea Egan argued that, 18 months into a Labour administration, conditions for public sector workers remain dire. A frontline social worker from Bolton, Egan highlighted how years of funding cuts have devastated local authorities.
Since 2010, £15 billion worth of council assets have been sold off, with her own local authority in Bolton seeing its funding slashed by over a quarter. She contends these are not abstract figures but direct attacks on communities and the services they rely on.
Egan accused the Labour Party of failing to govern in the interests of its namesake – labour. She called for an end to timidity in the face of bond markets and business lobbying, demanding a serious plan to raise wages and lower bills. Her immediate demands include an inflation-proof pay rise for all public workers and a strengthened Employment Rights Bill to guarantee sector-wide collective bargaining.
Condemning 'Gangster' Tactics in Venezuela
Turning to foreign affairs, Egan delivered a fierce condemnation of recent events in Venezuela. She described Donald Trump as "out of control and acting like a gangster" following reports of a raid that involved the kidnapping of President Nicolás Maduro and the death of Venezuelan citizens.
She urged Prime Minister Starmer to publicly condemn what she termed a "violation of international law" and to decisively distance the UK from Trump's actions. This call forms part of her broader critique of military spending, arguing that funds should be redirected to rebuild Britain's social fabric and domestic industries rather than being "poured into weapons."
Solidarity with Activists and a Personal Pledge
Egan also expressed solidarity with four young activists – Heba Muraisi, Teuta Hoxha, Kamran Ahmed, and Lewie Chiaramello – who are reportedly on hunger strike in prison after taking non-violent direct action against the conflict in Gaza. She held the government culpable for their fate and its ongoing complicity, drawing a stark parallel with historical suffragette movements.
In a personal commitment reflecting her roots, Egan pledged that as General Secretary she will only take the wage of a frontline social worker. She stated this was a testament to her identity as a workers' representative, elected by UNISON's 1.3 million members to defend the working class and improve their lot.
Egan framed 2026 as a potential turning point, both for UNISON and for the Labour Party. She concluded that only by putting labour first can the government genuinely improve lives and counter the rise of political figures like Nigel Farage.
