A stronger response to striking rail unions

sir – The Luddites leading the rail unions have created an issue on which all Conservatives will agree. The situation is not unlike Arthur Scargill and Mick Mcgahey’s miners’ strike, which Margaret Thatcher defeated.

This proposed strike is particularly selfish and unpatriotic. Self-evidently, it is unreasonable that well-paid train drivers and ancillary staff should exploit the monopoly position of the railways to inflict misery on the rest of the nation, especially as it struggles to recover from the pandemic.

The Government should use its large majority to pass emergency legislation that prevents workers in monopoly services – like railways and the fire brigade – from striking. An independent body should be created to set their pay. Alternatively, or in parallel, the Government should arrange for elements of the Armed Forces to be trained to carry out these workers’ duties. This would help to eliminate union blackmail.

Gregory Shenkman

London SW7