I am not sure about 'in the pocket of' Giok but again fair comment.

The Labour Party is the child of the Trade Union Movement, a strength and a weakness but TUs grew out of the life of working people and in turn helped to create the Party, nothing wrong with that.

Blair has reduced thr influence of the Unions within the Party - is that better? Some rank and file members think no, I guess you would say it was a good thing?