UNITE the union could cut its ties with Labour if it went into coalition with the Liberal Democrats after next year’s election, Unite leader Len McCluskey said yesterday.

“To enter into a coalition in those circumstances would be very, very dangerous, given the way the Lib Dems have played during the coalition,” he said.

A deal would only be permissible in the event that a Yes vote in the Scottish referendum caused Labour to lose its majority in 2016, Mr McCluskey said.