Minister insists rail reform ‘vital’

THE transport secretary has said “reform is vital” as he urged “all trade union leaders to get back around the table with employers” to avert fresh rail strikes.

Mark Harper told MPS he “will do everything I can to end these damaging and unnecessary strikes” ahead of planned meetings with trade union leaders.

Speaking during Commons transport questions, Mr Harper said: “I want a sustainable, thriving rail network, but with 20% of passengers not having returned following the pandemic, reform is vital.

“I would urge all trade union leaders to get back around the table with employers to hammer out the detail of that reform.

“The Government will work to facilitate this and to that end I will be meeting with trade union leaders in the coming days.”

The RMT has announced a series of 48-hour strikes in December and January by its members at Network Rail and 14 train companies.