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Jeremy Corbyn has signalled he would back striking workers even if they break a "really unfair" new law enacted by the Tory government.

The Labour leader said he "will be with" workers demanding a decent pay rise after he was repeatedly quizzed on whether he'd back breaching the Trade Union Act.

The Act made strikes illegal unless at least 50% of all the relevant union members take part in a ballot.

It also made strikes in public services like schools and fire stations illegal unless 40% of ALL a union's members vote in favour - not just those who actually turn out to vote.

Earlier this month Unite general secretary Len McCluskey hinted he could have to break the law, saying: "If the government have pushed us outside the law then they will have to stand the consequences."

Today Mr McCluskey said he stood by his warning, but said no one will need to be outside the law if there are "secure workplace ballots", adding: "Nobody wants to stand outside of the law, least of all me."

(Image: AFP)

Mr Corbyn said if he was in government he would repeal the Act and immediately raise public sector pay by inflation, just under 3%.

But asked several times by the BBC's Andrew Marr Show if he could back breaking the law, he did not give a yes or no answer.

Asked after a long exchange for a "clear answer", he said: "The clear answer is this. I support the campaign for a decent pay level in the public sector.

"I will ensure that a Labour government repeal the existing trade union law and bring us in line with the international labour organisational conditions."

Asked directly if he'd be "with or against" Mr McCluskey on an illegal picket line Mr Corbyn said: "I will be with those workers demanding a decent pay rise.

"Look, I will be with them demanding a decent pay rise."

(Image: REUTERS)

Asked if that meant he'd "be on those picket lines", he said: "I will be with them demanding a decent pay rise."

Host Mr Marr said ruefully: "That's as near as we're going to get."

Earlier Mr Corbyn had taken umbrage at the question of whether he'd back illegal action - saying the focus should be on the government.

He said: "Trade unions represent their members. Trade unions are there to negotiate on behalf of their members and they will be making protest actions and many other things over the winter.

(Image: Getty)

"So instead of turning the blame on unions that represent their members why can't we look at the way in which this government has exploited public sector workers on the last seven years."

He added: "This law is something that is really unfair. No MP, very few MPs, get more than 50% of their electorate. I think I was one of the very few who does."

Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell suggested the debate would be irrelevant because nurses were so angry they would vote overwhelmingly to strike.

"I don't think there's been any problem getting the [50% threshold]. They will.

"I don't think anyone understands properly the strength of anger there is out there."