#Huw Merriman

[tweetingukpolitics]

[eaglesnick]

101 Things You Should Know About the UK Tory Government

Thing 75

In case anyone had any doubts about Sunak’s right-wing, anti-union beliefs  this should remind them that the fight with nurses, rail personnel , teachers, ambulance staff and many other groups of workers  is one of political philosophy rather than economic necessity as is often argued.  

“Resolving rail disputes would have cost less than strikes, admits ministerRail minister Huw Merriman told MPs the rail dispute has "ended up costing more" than a resolution"  (Sky News: 18/01/23)

Clearly, unelected Sunak is prepared to sacrifice both the train using public and businesses reliant upon rail freight in his obsession to cripple the unions.

[ianchisnall]

The statement from Huw Merriman

The Bexhill and Battle area in East Sussex was first created in 1983 and controlled by Conservatives even in this Election. Kieran Mullan had been the Crewe and Nantwich MP from 2019 but has now been elected for this area. Huw Merriman has been a Minister for the last few years, he has not made many personal comments in Parliament but he has submitted this contribution on his website on 23rd May…

[siannan]

If I can just learn to drive and buy a car within the next 3 days I might be able to get home for Christmas

[probablyasocialecologist]

According to government estimates, each day of industrial action costs between £15m and £25m, depending on whether the strike takes place on a weekend or week day.

This means that the strikes have cost the wider economy more than £1bn over the past eight months.

[...]

Commenting on Merriman’s remarks, Frank Ward, interim general secretary of the union TSSA, said the minister had exposed “the disastrous short-termism at the heart of the government’s thinking about the rail dispute”.

“This is a shocking admission – that the actions of this wrong-headed Tory government have ended up costing the tax paying public over £1bn at a time when that money could have been used to fix this dispute and build up our railways after Covid,” he said.

[wankerwatch]

Commons Vote

On: Finance (No. 2) Bill: Third Reading

Ayes: 215 (98.6% Con, 0.9% Ind, 0.5% DUP) Noes: 19 (94.7% SNP, 5.3% PC) Absent: ~416

Likely Referenced Bill: Finance (No. 2) Act 2010

Description: A Bill to grant certain duties, to alter other duties, and to amend the law relating to the National Debt and the Public Revenue, and to make further provision in connection with finance.

Originating house: Commons Current house: Unassigned Bill Stage: Royal Assent

Individual Votes:

Ayes

Conservative (211 votes)

Aaron Bell Alan Mak Alberto Costa Alec Shelbrooke Alex Burghart Alex Chalk Alicia Kearns Alok Sharma Amanda Milling Andrew Griffith Andrew Jones Andrew Lewer Andrew Murrison Andrew Percy Andrew Selous Andy Carter Angela Richardson Anna Firth Anne Marie Morris Anne-Marie Trevelyan Anthony Browne Antony Higginbotham Ben Everitt Ben Spencer Ben Wallace Bernard Jenkin Bill Wiggin Bim Afolami Bob Blackman Bob Seely Brandon Lewis Caroline Ansell Caroline Nokes Charles Walker Cherilyn Mackrory Chris Clarkson Chris Grayling Chris Green Chris Philp Conor Burns Craig Tracey Craig Williams Damian Hinds Daniel Kawczynski Danny Kruger David Davis David Duguid David Jones David Rutley David Simmonds Dean Russell Dehenna Davison Derek Thomas Desmond Swayne Duncan Baker Edward Argar Edward Leigh Elizabeth Truss Elliot Colburn Esther McVey Felicity Buchan Fiona Bruce Gagan Mohindra Gareth Bacon Gareth Davies Gareth Johnson Gary Sambrook Gavin Williamson Geoffrey Clifton-Brown Gillian Keegan Graham Brady Graham Stuart Greg Hands Greg Smith Guy Opperman Harriett Baldwin Heather Wheeler Helen Whately Holly Mumby-Croft Huw Merriman Iain Duncan Smith Iain Stewart Jack Brereton Jack Lopresti Jackie Doyle-Price Jacob Rees-Mogg Jacob Young James Cartlidge James Cleverly James Davies James Duddridge James Sunderland James Wild Jane Hunt Jane Stevenson Jeremy Quin Jerome Mayhew Jo Churchill John Glen John Howell John Lamont Jonathan Djanogly Jonathan Gullis Julia Lopez Julian Lewis Julian Smith Julian Sturdy Justin Tomlinson Katherine Fletcher Kelly Tolhurst Kemi Badenoch Kevin Hollinrake Kieran Mullan Kit Malthouse Laura Farris Laura Trott Lee Rowley Leo Docherty Lia Nici Liam Fox Lisa Cameron Louie French Lucy Frazer Luke Hall Marcus Jones Mark Fletcher Mark Francois Mark Garnier Mark Logan Martin Vickers Matt Hancock Matt Warman Matthew Offord Mel Stride Michael Ellis Michael Fabricant Michael Gove Michael Tomlinson Mike Freer Mike Wood Mims Davies Neil O'Brien Nick Fletcher Nick Gibb Nicola Richards Nigel Huddleston Paul Beresford Paul Holmes Paul Howell Pauline Latham Penny Mordaunt Peter Aldous Peter Bottomley Philip Dunne Philip Hollobone Priti Patel Ranil Jayawardena Rebecca Harris Rebecca Pow Rehman Chishti Richard Bacon Richard Drax Richard Fuller Rob Butler Robbie Moore Robert Buckland Robert Courts Robert Goodwill Robert Halfon Robert Largan Robert Syms Robin Millar Robin Walker Royston Smith Sajid Javid Sally-Ann Hart Saqib Bhatti Sara Britcliffe Sarah Dines Scott Mann Selaine Saxby Shailesh Vara Sheryll Murray Simon Baynes Simon Clarke Simon Fell Simon Hart Simon Hoare Simon Jupp Stephen Metcalfe Steve Baker Steve Brine Steve Tuckwell Stuart Andrew Suzanne Webb Theo Clarke Theresa May Theresa Villiers Thérèse Coffey Tobias Ellwood Tom Hunt Tom Pursglove Tom Randall Tom Tugendhat Tracey Crouch Vicky Ford Victoria Atkins Victoria Prentis Wendy Morton Will Quince William Cash

Independent (2 votes)

Mark Menzies William Wragg

Democratic Unionist Party (1 vote)

Jim Shannon

Noes

Scottish National Party (18 votes)

Allan Dorans Amy Callaghan Angela Crawley Anne McLaughlin Brendan O'Hara Chris Law Chris Stephens David Linden Deidre Brock Joanna Cherry John Nicolson Kirsty Blackman Marion Fellows Owen Thompson Peter Grant Philippa Whitford Richard Thomson Stewart Malcolm McDonald

Plaid Cymru (1 vote)

Hywel Williams

[53rdcenturyhero]

UK politics. Not available MP for next parliament, they're not standing for election. Source ITV 24 May 2024.

How I found out my own MP is going to not campaign. Some voices who speak up with relative sense will not be there in the next parliament.

Conservative

– Adam Afriyie, Windsor (MP since 2005; majority 20,079)

– Nickie Aiken, Cities of London & Westminster (MP since 2019; majority 3,953)

– Lucy Allan, Telford (MP since 2015; majority 10,941)

– Stuart Andrew, Pudsey (MP since 2010; majority 3,517)

– Richard Bacon, South Norfolk (MP since 2001; majority 21,275)

– John Baron, Basildon & Billericay (MP since 2001; majority 20,412)

– Sir Paul Beresford, Mole Valley (MP since 1997; majority 12,041)

– Sir Graham Brady, Altrincham & Sale West (MP since 1997; majority 6,139)

– Steve Brine, Winchester (MP since 2010; majority 985)

– Lisa Cameron, East Kilbride, Strathaven & Lesmahagow (elected as SNP MP in 2015; majority 13,322; defected to Conservatives in 2023)

– Andy Carter, Warrington South (MP since 2019; majority 2,010)

– Sir Bill Cash, Stone (previously MP for Stafford 1984-97, then Stone since 1997; majority 19,945)

– Jo Churchill, Bury St Edmunds (MP since 2015; majority 24,988)

– Greg Clark, Tunbridge Wells (MP since 2005; majority 14,645)

– Chris Clarkson, Heywood & Middleton (MP since 2019; majority 663)

Dame Tracey Crouch, Chatham & Aylesford (MP since 2010; majority 18,540)

– Dehenna Davison, Bishop Auckland (MP since 2019; majority 7,962)

– Jonathan Djanogly, Huntingdon (MP since 2001; majority 19,383)

– Sir James Duddridge, Rochford & Southend East (MP since 2005; majority 12,286)

– Philip Dunne, Ludlow (MP since 2005; majority 23,648)

– Sir Michael Ellis, Northampton North (MP since 2010; majority 5,507)

– George Eustice, Camborne & Redruth (MP since 2010; majority 8,700)

– Sir David Evennett, Bexleyheath & Crayford (MP since 2005; majority 13,103)

Mike Freer, Finchley & Golders Green (MP since 2010; majority 6,562)

– Nick Gibb, Bognor Regis & Littlehampton (MP since 1997; majority 22,503)

– Jo Gideon, Stoke-on-Trent Central (MP since 2019; majority 670)

– Michael Gove, Surrey Health (MP since 2005; majority 18,349)

– Sir Robert Goodwill, Scarborough & Whitby (MP since 2005; majority 10,270)

– Chris Grayling, Epsom & Ewell (MP since 2001; majority 17,873)

– James Grundy, Leigh (MP since 2019; majority 1,965)

– Robert Halfon, Harlow (MP since 2010; majority 14,063)

– Stephen Hammond, Wimbledon (MP since 2005; majority 628)

majority 1,805)

– Sir Sajid Javid, Bromsgrove (MP since 2010; majority 23,106)

– David Jones, Clwyd West (MP since 2005; majority 6,747)

– Sir Greg Knight, East Yorkshire (previously MP for Derby North 1983-97, then East Yorkshire since 2001; majority 22,787)

– Kwasi Kwarteng, Spelthorne (MP since 2010; majority 18,393)

– Dame Eleanor Laing, Epping Forest (MP since 1997; majority 22,173)

– Pauline Latham, Mid Derbyshire (MP since 2010; majority 15,385)

– Sir Brandon Lewis, Great Yarmouth (MP since 2010; majority 17,663)

– Tim Loughton, East Worthing & Shoreham (MP since 1997; majority 7,474)

– Craig Mackinlay, South Thanet (MP since 2015; majority 10,587)

– Theresa May, Maidenhead (MP since 1997; majority 18,846)

Stephen McPartland, Stevenage (MP since 2010; majority 8,562)

– Huw Merriman, Bexhill & Battle (MP since 2015; majority 26,059)

– Kieran Mullan, Crewe & Nantwich (MP since 2019; majority 8,508)

– Sir Bob Neill, Bromley & Chislehurst (MP since 2006; majority 10,891)

– Matthew Offord, Hendon (MP since 2010; majority 4,230)

– Mark Pawsey, Rugby (MP since 2010; majority 13,447)

– Sir Mike Penning, Hemel Hempstead (MP since 2005; majority 14,563)

– Andrew Percy, Brigg & Goole (MP since 2010; majority 21,941)

– Will Quince, Colchester (MP since 2015; majority 9,423)

– Dominic Raab, Esher & Walton (MP since 2010; majority 2,743)

– Sir John Redwood, Wokingham (MP since 1987; majority 7,383)

– Nicola Richards, West Bromwich East (MP since 2019; majority 1,593)

– Douglas Ross, Moray (MP since 2017; majority 513)

– Paul Scully, Sutton & Cheam (MP since 2015; majority 8,351)

– Sir Alok Sharma, Reading West (MP since 2010; majority 4,117)

– Chloe Smith, Norwich North (MP since 2009; majority 4,738)

– Henry Smith, Crawley (MP since 2010; majority 8,360)

– Royston Smith, Southampton Itchen (MP since 2015; majority 4,498)

– Bob Stewart, Beckenham (MP since 2010; majority 14,258)

- Sir Gary Streeter, Devon South West (previously MP for Plymouth Sutton 1992-97, then Devon South West since 1997; majority 21,430)

– Edward Timpson, Eddisbury (previously MP for Crewe & Nantwich 2008-2017, then Eddisbury since 2019; majority 18,443)

– Sir Charles Walker, Broxbourne (MP since 2005; majority 19,807)

– Robin Walker, Worcester (MP since 2010; majority 6,758)

– Ben Wallace, Wyre & Preston North (previously MP for Lancaster & Wyre 2005-10, then Wyre & Preston North since 2010; majority 16,781)

– Jamie Wallis, Bridgend (MP since 2019; majority 1,157)

– Craig Whittaker, Calder Valley (MP since 2010; majority 5,774)

– Nadhim Zahawi, Stratford-on-Avon (MP since 2010; majority 19,972)

Labour

– Dame Margaret Beckett, Derby South (previously MP for Lincoln 1974-79, then Derby South since 1983; majority 6,019)

– Paul Blomfield, Sheffield Central (MP since 2010; majority 27,273)

– Sir Ben Bradshaw, Exeter (MP since 1997; majority 10,403)

- Karen Buck, Westminster North (previously MP for Regent’s Park & Kensington North 1997-2010, then Westminster North since 2010; majority 10,759)

– Jon Cruddas, Dagenham & Rainham (previously MP for Dagenham 2001-10, then Dagenham & Rainham since 2010; majority 293)

– Alex Cunningham, Stockton North (MP since 2010; majority 1,027)

– Wayne David, Caerphilly (MP since 2001; majority 6,833)

– Natalie Elphicke, Dover (elected as Conservative MP in 2019; majority 12,278; defected to Labour in 2024)

- Colleen Fletcher, Coventry North East (MP since 2015; majority 7,692)

- Yvonne Fovargue, Makerfield (MP since 2010; majority 4,740)

– Margaret Greenwood, Wirral West (MP since 2015; majority 3,003)

– Harriet Harman, Camberwell & Peckham (previously MP for Peckham 1982-97, then Camberwell & Peckham since 1997; majority 33,780)

– Dame Margaret Hodge, Barking (MP since 1994; majority 15,427)

- Sir George Howarth, Knowsley (previously MP for Knowsley North 1986-97, then Knowsley North & Sefton East 1997-2010, then Knowsley since 2010; majority 39,942)

– Kevan Jones, North Durham (MP since 2001; majority 4,742)

– Holly Lynch, Halifax (MP since 2015; majority 2,569)

– Ian Mearns, Gateshead (MP since 2010; majority 7,200)

– Dan Poulter, Central Suffolk & North Ipswich (elected as Conservative MP in 2010; majority 23,391; defected to Labour in 2024)

– Christina Rees, Neath (MP since 2015; majority 5,637)

- Barry Sheerman, Huddersfield (previously MP for Huddersfield East 1979-83, then Huddersfield since 1983; majority 9,437)

– Alan Whitehead, Southampton Test (MP since 1997; majority 6,213)

– Dame Rosie Winterton, Doncaster Central (MP since 1997; majority 2,278)

SNP

– Mhairi Black, Paisley & Renfrewshire South (MP since 2015; majority 10,679)

– Ian Blackford, Ross, Skye & Lochaber (MP since 2015; majority 9,443)

– Douglas Chapman, Dunfermline & West Fife (MP since 2015; majority 10,699)

– Angela Crawley, Lanark & Hamilton East (MP since 2015; majority 5,187)

– Patrick Grady, Glasgow North (MP since 2015; majority 5,601)

– Peter Grant, Glenrothes (MP since 2015; majority 11,757)

– Stewart Hosie, Dundee East (MP since 2005; majority 13,375)

– John McNally, Falkirk (MP since 2015; majority 14,948)

– Philippa Whitford, Central Ayrshire (MP since 2015; majority 5,304)

Sinn Fein

– Mickey Brady, Newry & Armagh (MP since 2015; majority 9,287)

– Michelle Gildernew, Fermanagh & South Tyrone (MP for seat from 2001-2015 and since 2017; majority 57)

– Francie Molloy, Mid Ulster (MP since 2013; majority 9,537)

Green

– Caroline Lucas, Brighton Pavilion (MP since 2010; majority 19,940)

Plaid Cymru - one

– Hywel Williams, Arfon (previously MP for Caernarfon 2001-10, then Arfon since 2010; majority 2,781)

Independent - seven

– Crispin Blunt, Reigate (MP since 1997; formerly Conservative; majority 18,310)

– Nick Brown, Newcastle upon Tyne East (MP since 1983; formerly Labour; majority 15,463)

– Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, Lagan Valley (MP since 1997; formerly DUP; 2019 majority 6,499)

- Julian Knight, Solihull (MP since 2015; formerly Conservative; majority 21,273)

– Conor McGinn, St Helens North (MP since 2015; formerly Labour; majority 12,209)

– Mark Menzies, Fylde (MP since 2010; formerly Conservative; majority 16,611)

– William Wragg, Hazel Grove (MP since 2015; formerly Conservative; majority 4,423

[railsistem]

UK: Network Rail Completes Hope Valley Railway Upgrade

Network Rail has completed the 150 million GBP Hope Valley Railway Upgrade project, which is expected to enhance journeys between Manchester and Sheffield. To celebrate this achievement, Rail Minister Huw Merriman visited Dore & Totley station in Sheffield on Monday 8 April, where a new and fully accessible platform has now opened. First train at new Dore & Totley platform © Network Rail This…

[thxnews]

Revolutionizing Transport: The North Leads the Way

Charting a New Course for Northern Transport

The annual Transport for the North conference, held in Liverpool, has set the stage for a transformative era in UK mobility. With the Government's ambitious Network North plan, the vision to make the UK the most accessible place globally takes a significant stride forward, particularly for the North.   The Network North Blueprint A Vision for Inclusive Growth The government's decision to redirect High Speed 2 (HS2) funds towards the Network North initiative marks a pivotal shift in transport policy. Rather than focusing on a single high-speed rail line, the plan aims to benefit millions across the North by enhancing connectivity, reducing congestion, and improving travel experiences. Empowering Local Leadership The initiative underscores the importance of local governance in shaping the future of transport. By increasing funding and giving local leaders a say in infrastructure development, the Network North plan promises to deliver more equitable and effective transport solutions.  

Key Initiatives and Investments

Broadening the Scope of Mobility The plan includes a wide array of projects aimed at modernizing and expanding the North's transport infrastructure: - Electrification and capacity upgrades for critical rail lines - Development of new stations and expansion of Northern Powerhouse Rail - A £12 billion commitment to improve Liverpool-Manchester connections - Significant investments in road improvements, bus services, and active travel infrastructure   Devolution and Local Empowerment Decentralizing Decision-Making The move towards greater devolution of funding and decision-making to Metro Mayors and local authorities represents a shift towards more localized, responsive transport planning. This approach allows for tailored solutions that reflect the unique needs and aspirations of Northern communities.  

The Special Olympics and Beyond

Spotlight on Liverpool's Transport Legacy Liverpool's rich transport heritage and its role as a burgeoning freeport highlight the city's pivotal position in the UK's logistics and transport landscape. Investments in rail freight capacity and strategic rail freight interchanges are set to bolster the region's economic growth and connectivity. Looking to the Future A New Deal for Local Transport The government's commitment to investing unprecedented sums in rural counties, smaller cities, and towns across the North signals a 'new deal' for local transport. This initiative will empower communities to address their specific transport challenges, enhancing mobility and access across the board.  

Collaborative Progress

Partnerships for the People The Transport for the North conference exemplifies the power of collaboration between the government, local leaders, and the public in driving forward transport innovation. Furthermore, by actively listening to and working with communities, the Network North plan is poised to deliver a more connected, accessible, and equitable North. In essence, this collaborative approach underscores the commitment to inclusive and sustainable transport solutions.   Sources: THX News, Department for Transport & Huw Merriman MP. Read the full article

[olko71]

New Post has been published on All about business online

New Post has been published on https://yaroreviews.info/2024/01/lner-train-drivers-call-off-five-days-of-strikes

LNER train drivers call off five days of strikes

PA Media

Train drivers’ union Aslef has called off five consecutive days of strikes on LNER services that were set to begin next month.

The action affecting LNER, which operates on the East Coast Mainline, was scheduled to start on 5 February.

However, walkouts by train drivers for many rail operators will still take place between 30 January and 5 February in a row over pay and conditions.

LNER drivers will join in one day of strikes during that period.

A source told the BBC that Aslef had called off the extra five days of action because LNER had told the union that it no longer intended to put minimum service levels (MSLs) in place.

LNER had planned to implement the measure on 2 February, during a period of widespread strike action that will affect 16 train operators.

Under new laws, employers can require staff who are planning to walkout to provide 40% of timetabled rail services.

On Thursday last week, Rail Minister Huw Merriman said the government hoped the minimum service levels would be implemented, but it was “a matter for the employers”.

A spokesperson for LNER, said: “We welcome news that the threat of extended disruption to our services has been lifted.

“We encourage Aslef to work with us to find a way to end this long running dispute which only damages the rail industry.”

When are train drivers going on strike?

Rolling strikes that will affect different operators each day are still due to start on 30 January.

However, as things stand, it appears that none of the train operating companies will seek to impose minimum service levels.

The strikes will affect the following companies based in England:

Tuesday 30 January: Southeastern, Southern, Gatwick Express, Great Northern, Thameslink, South Western Railway and SWR Island Line

Wednesday 31 January: Northern Trains, Transpennine Express

Friday 2 February: Greater Anglia, C2C, LNER

Saturday 3 February: West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway

Monday 5 February: Great Western, CrossCountry, Chiltern

Union members will also refuse to work overtime from Monday 29 January until Tuesday 6 February.

ScotRail and Transport for Wales are not included in the dispute.

Related Topics

Rail travel

More on this story

When are train drivers going on strike?

7 days ago

New train strike dates announced by drivers’ union

7 days ago

[qudachuk]

Huw Merriman, MP for Bexhill and Battle, says the centre is "a real challenge for the constituents".

[eagletek]

Rail passengers suffer biggest fares rise in 11 years despite poor performance

T rain passengers will be hit by the largest hike in fares for more than a decade on Sunday, despite record poor reliability. Fares in England and Wales will jump by up to 5.9% on average, adding hundreds of pounds to the cost of many annual season tickets. Rail minister Huw Merriman said the increase is “well below inflation and delayed”, but Labour described it as “savage” and public transport…

[harrogateelectricvehiclenews]

UK on track to reach 300,000 electric vehicle charging points.

UK on track to reach 300,000 electric vehicle charging points. Subscribe to Electric Vehicle News Bitesize Podcast for FREE to hear more! The UK is on track to meet the government’s target of installing 300,000 new electric car chargers by 2030, the transport secretary has said. Huw Merriman told MPs that ministers expect “at least 300,000 public charge points will be installed across the UK by…

[ianchisnall]

Three weeks to go and election fever hots up

It is three weeks until the General Election and announcements have been made about Political Party Candidates standing across Sussex. Two locations in particular will require a new MP due to MP’s retiring in Brighton Pavilion and in Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven. Brighton Pavilion was created as a political ward in 1950 with Conservative William Teeling until 1966 followed by Julian Amery…

[news24fr]

Les principales gares ferroviaires d'Angleterre ont été laissées à l'abandon après que les conducteurs de train se sont joints à la dernière vague de grèves qui, selon Network Rail, avait jusqu'à présent coûté plus de 400 millions de livres sterling en perte de revenus.Des hubs tels que Birmingham New Street et Londres Victoria n'avaient aucun train de voyageurs pendant la grève de 24 heures de milliers de chauffeurs du syndicat Aslef.La grève de jeudi, qui a touché 15 opérateurs ferroviaires et interrompu la plupart des services de banlieue dans le sud-est, les Midlands et le nord de l'Angleterre, est intervenue entre deux grèves de 48 heures du syndicat des travailleurs du rail, de la mer et des transports (RMT), dont la deuxième commence vendredi. Des milliers de membres du syndicat travaillant pour Network Rail et des entreprises ferroviaires doivent à nouveau faire grève jusqu'à samedi, ne laissant qu'environ 20% des services normaux en Grande-Bretagne.Les trains devraient revenir à la normale d'ici l'heure du déjeuner dimanche, après quatre semaines de perturbations résultant d'actions syndicales, y compris une interdiction d'heures supplémentaires RMT chez les opérateurs ferroviaires pendant la période des fêtes depuis une semaine de grèves à la mi-décembre.Network Rail a déclaré que le coût cumulé des grèves nationales depuis l'été dernier était désormais estimé à 400 millions de livres sterling en revenus de billets perdus.Un porte-parole a déclaré qu'environ 20 à 25 millions de livres sterling étaient perdues chaque jour de grève, à l'exception des deux sur les 21 à ce jour qui sont tombées pendant la période des jours fériés de Noël. Ils ont estimé que 1 à 1,5 million de livres sterling par jour ont été économisées en frais de personnel.Les dirigeants des deux syndicats, ainsi que des dirigeants de l'industrie, doivent rencontrer lundi le ministre des chemins de fer, Huw Merriman, dans le cadre de la dernière tentative de trouver une sorte d'accord dans le différend de longue date.Aucune autre grève n'est prévue, mais les dirigeants syndicaux ont déclaré qu'ils pourraient intensifier l'action sans progrès. Les membres du RMT et de l'Aslef ont récemment voté pour prolonger le mandat de l'action revendicative pour une nouvelle période de six mois.Mick Whelan, le secrétaire général d'Aslef, a déclaré qu'il était inévitable que de nouvelles grèves aient lieu à moins que l'impasse ne soit brisée. Il a déclaré: «La situation empire et mes membres veulent maintenant aller plus fort et plus vite en raison du manque de progrès. Nous sommes dans un monde étrange où le gouvernement fera tout pour garder les entreprises privées dans l'industrie. Il est inévitable que d'autres grèves aient lieu et s'intensifient probablement.Plus tôt, Whelan a rejeté l'idée qu'une augmentation de 2 000 £, qui aurait été proposée par le gouvernement, serait acceptée par les conducteurs. "L'inflation était de 14% cette année, nous n'avons eu aucune augmentation de salaire au cours des deux années précédentes et ils veulent une réforme de l'industrie de 3% - je ne pense pas que cela conviendra à mes membres", a-t-il déclaré.Seul un service de train sur cinq au Royaume-Uni fonctionnera le deuxième jour de grève consécutifLire la suiteUne indication de l'impact des grèves sur l'ensemble de l'économie est apparue dans de nouvelles données de l'Office for National Statistics, qui a montré qu'une entreprise sur six a déclaré avoir été touchée en novembre. Un peu plus de 4% de toutes les entreprises interrogées dans l'ensemble de l'économie ont déclaré avoir eu du mal à obtenir les articles nécessaires à leur entreprise ce mois-là, au cours duquel les cheminots et les postiers ont pris des mesures revendicatives.Le ministère des Transports a déclaré: «Les passagers en ont assez des grèves ferroviaires et veulent que les perturbations cessent. Les syndicats devraient se retirer de cette grève afin que nous puissions commencer 2023 en mettant fin à ce conflit dommageable.

Il a été conseillé aux passagers de n'essayer de voyager en train qu'en cas d'absolue nécessité le vendredi, avec seulement environ 20% des services en service, et uniquement entre 7h30 et 18h30 sur les principales lignes interurbaines et urbaines. Avec des travailleurs de la signalisation critiques en grève, de grandes parties de l'Angleterre rurale, de l'Écosse et du Pays de Galles n'auront aucun train en circulation au cours des deux prochains jours.

[newssite2525]

Railway workers continue with 48-hour strike over pay and conditions

Railway workers will continue with a 48-hour strike on Saturday, causing more travel misery for passengers as a bitter dispute over pay, jobs and conditions remains deadlocked. Talks between the leader of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT), train company employers and Rail Minister Huw Merriman on Thursday failed to make a breakthrough. The union went ahead with a walkout from Friday on…