A national day of co-ordinated action is to be held against the UK Government's controversial union reforms amid warnings of a "declaration of war", writes Michael Settle from the TUC conference in Brighton.

The TUC Congress backed a strong campaign to fight the Trade Union Bill, which will include industrial, civil and legal action, involving workers, civil rights campaigners and other groups.

Union leaders mounted angry attacks against the Bill, which received its second reading in the Commons last night, with some pressing for "generalised strike action".

Unite leader Len McCluskey told the conference in Brighton that his union will oppose the Bill using "any means necessary" to defend the democratic rights and freedoms of workers.

He called on the government to end its efforts to paint trade unions and their members as the "enemy within', adding: "This is a movement that has from its inception delivered for each generation continued improvements to the working lives of millions of people.

"It has secured our nation's wealth and fought for the social and political progress that has made this county a place of fairness, equality and social justice.

"But instead of recognising our role, this Prime Minister seeks to paint the millions of trade unionists and their families as 'the enemy within', with a Tory party drunk on class prejudice, intent on destroying this movement as a force in British life.

"They seek to reduce trade unions to no more than employment advice agencies, while turning our members - who dare to act - into criminals."

He added: "There is though, an emerging broad and united democratic campaign against this legislation which is greater than ever before - because it doesn't just attack trade unions.

"It threatens freedom of speech. It menaces freedom of association. It insults the values which all British people cherish."

Peter Pinkney, President of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union said the TUC should be as "ruthless" as the Government, referring to a speech last night in the House of Commons by Sajid Javid, the Business Secretary.

"The Minister said he is not declaring war on the unions. Yes he is. We should say we are at war with you.

"We should get off our knees now and show them that we are right to strike."

Mr Pinkney said industrial action had "dragged" rail firms, including London Underground and First Great Western, to the negotiating table during recent disputes.

Delegates approved a motion rejecting the Bill and its " uncompromising and unnecessary assault" on workers' rights.

Unions will oppose the legislation" every inch of the way" and build alliances with other groups, including employers who have been expressing unease at some of the measures.

Support will be given to unions finding themselves outside the law, while action to oppose the Bill will not be "token protests", it was agreed.

Committees will be set up to co-ordinate action, and there will be a national day of action across the UK.

Delegates also backed the RMT's call on the possibility of assisting in organising generalised strikes, although the TUC's general council said it had reservations on this wording.

Dave Ward, leader of the Communication Workers Union, said the Bill was more "vicious" than anything introduced by Margaret Thatcher and was designed to stop unions defending workers, jobs and conditions.

Matt Wrack for the Fire Brigades Union said the Government had been elected by a minority of the public but was embarking on an" onslaught" against the majority.

Jon Skewes of the Royal College of Midwives warned that the measure allowing employers to hire agency workers to cover for strikers could threaten safety.

Midwives put in place contingency plans during last year's NHS strikes which could be threatened in any future dispute.

"We will deliver - it's what we do," he said.

Later, union leaders called for co-ordinated strikes against the one per cent cap on public sector pay, which the Government is imposing for the coming years.

Mark Serwotka, General Secretary of the Public and Commercial Services union, said workers including nurses, firefighters and civil servants should strike together.

Civil servants were facing 11 years of pay restraint, coupled with increased pension contributions, forcing thousands to claim working tax credits, he told the conference.

"The best way to fight the draconian Trade Union Bill is not to wait, but to co-ordinate mass strikes now."

He said workers at Windsor Castle had won a pay rise earlier this year after threatening strikes, adding: "If we can win in the Queen's gaff, imagine what we can do with co-ordinated strike action. Let's get on with it."

Dave Prentis, the Unison leader, said the legislation would not stop the union organising strikes.

Workers from the National Gallery in London, who are on an all-out strike over privatisation, received a standing ovation from delegates.

The PCS is holding a national day of action on September 24 to support their campaign.