‘Radio silence’ from government on ending strikes, says RMT’s Mick Lynch

Rail bosses ‘in despair’ at ministers’ stance, claims RMT chief – as Rishi Sunak warned that ‘tinkering’ with legislation won’t stop strikes in 2023

There has been “radio silence” from the government on preventing a fresh wave of strikes, according to rail union leader Mick Lynch – who accused ministers of “sitting on their hands”.

Union chiefs have said that only a change in stance will end the rail dispute, as passengers prepare for five days of disruption this week because of fresh strikes by tens of thousands of workers.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) at Network Rail and 14 train operators will stage two 48-hour walkouts from Tuesday and Friday while drivers in the Aslef union will strike on Thursday.