Unite, UK's largest union, cuts £580K in Labour Party funding over disputes on the Birmingham bin strike and Labour's policies.

Unite, one of the UK’s largest trade unions, is cutting its annual financial affiliation with the Labour Party by £580,000—40%—in response to growing anger over Labour’s handling of the year-long bin strike in Birmingham. The strike, led by refuse workers protesting changes to waste collection, has intensified tensions, with Unite accusing Labour of failing to support public sector workers and losing touch with working-class communities. The union cited broader concerns including broken promises on defense and public services, economic mismanagement, and neglect of vulnerable groups. Unite will now consult its members on whether to maintain its affiliation ahead of next year’s rules conference, marking an unprecedented step signaling deepening rifts between the union and the party.