Tories plan to take on the unions

The Conservatives are considering a politically explosive move to outlaw strikes in the NHS, railways and other key services.

The review, acknowledged by Iain Duncan Smith, threatens a clash with the trade unions more bitter than the worst battles of the Thatcher era. The party has already taken the first step with a call this week to ban strikes on the Tube.

But the Evening Standard has learned that senior party figures are examining plans for a far wider public-sector strike ban.

A senior source, asked if the party was considering banning strikes by nurses and by rail workers, said simply: "We are looking at it."

The decision over which sectors are covered will be linked to the ease with which the public can find alternative services.

Tube workers are the first target because their disputes bring extreme disruption to commuters who have no other way of getting to work.

Supporters of the idea point out that police officers are already banned from striking under the terms of their contract.

The idea will form part of the policy review currently under way inside the Conservative Party. Specific details are being held back until nearer the next election.