Shapps denies he is not involved in rail pay talks
London Underground services are being seriously disrupted by another RMT strike today, in a dispute over job security and pensions. Other TfL trains and trams are running, but London Overground started later than usual, DLR services to Bank will not run after 18.30 and Elizabeth Line trains are also likely to be affected after 22.30. On the roads there are fewer trams than usual, but buses are very busy. The unions have warned that the walkouts will continue for ‘as long as it takes’, but transport secretary Grant Shapps is denying that he is not involved in the negotiations.
Union accuses DfT of blocking rail pay deal for political reasonsThe RMT has accused the government of preventing agreement in the long running rail disputes because of its political agenda. Staff are walking out again today at Network Rail and most train operators, and only one in five trains are expected to run, with many lines closed entirely. Operators have been urging their passengers not to try to travel. Although ScotRail and Transport for Wales staff are not striking, most trains will not run in England, Scotland or Wales because Network Rail signallers will be absent. There will be a further London Underground strike tomorrow and another National Rail stoppage on Saturday, which will again affect most of the network.
Fire at London Bridge stationLondon Bridge station was closed for a time this morning after a fire broke out in a railway arch. More than 70 firefighters went to the scene, and London Fire Brigade said the ‘entire arch’ was ablaze.
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