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Rail Strikes
15 June 2022
Lead MP
Grant Shapps, MP for Welwyn Hatfield
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Transport
Other Contributors: 52
At a Glance
Grant Shapps, MP for Welwyn Hatfield raised concerns about rail strikes in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The railway is a vital legacy connecting north and south but has fallen behind due to inefficiency. The pandemic caused a loss of around one-fifth of passengers and income; the Government invested £16 billion in keeping railways running. This level of subsidy cannot be sustained, thus modernisation is necessary through Great British Railways.
Jeremy Corbyn
Ind
Islington North
Questions why the Government punishes railway workers with job losses and inadequate pay when they worked hard during the pandemic. Asks if he should not be talking to their representative unions about the real situation on the railways.
Supports modernisation of railways after the pandemic, criticises timing of strikes as they come at a time when confidence is returning in the economy and railway system.
Lilian Greenwood
Lab
Nottingham South
Asks why the Secretary of State did not take action to try to resolve disputes instead of calling for today’s debate, questions whether he has met industry leaders and trade unions or brought in ACAS.
Questions if any Opposition Member who backs these strikes is punishing constituents by causing disruption. Asks the Secretary of State if he agrees that Londoners deserve better.
Hayes and Harlington
Asked if the Secretary of State or Government has met with the RMT, and urged for an immediate positive response to Mick Lynch’s request for a meeting.
Emphasised that workers on minimum wage will lose £160 over three days due to strikes. Suggested this should be grounds for Labour party condemnation of the strikes.
Pointed out that contract workers and young people relying on trains for A-level exams are particularly affected by the strike action.
Suggested Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, should waive ULEZ and congestion charges to ease traffic burden due to strikes. Criticised unions for timing strikes during critical exam periods.
Expressed concern about schoolchildren taking GCSEs and A-levels being impacted by the strike action following pandemic disruptions.
Battersea
Pressed for the Secretary of State to meet with Mayor of London to secure sustainable funding plan for Transport for London, highlighting importance of transport network access for workers.
Noted economic impact on self-employed individuals and questioned why RMT general secretary wouldn’t face similar financial repercussions as those affected by the strike.
Expressed frustration with lack of action from Mayor of London and Labour MPs, challenged them to support constituents financially during strikes instead of accepting union donations.
Wera Hobhouse
Lib Dem
Bath
Suggested the Prime Minister may be most interested in seeing these strikes go ahead.
Rachael Maskell
Lab Co-op
York Central
Critiqued Government for lack of leadership and engagement with unions, urging them to address issues related to pay and job security for public servants.
Tahir Ali
Lab
Birmingham Hall Green and Moseley
Ali questioned Merriman's proposal for replacing engineers with technology, arguing that maintenance staff are specialists who cannot be easily replaced. He expressed concerns about the impact on safety and potential future accidents.
Lilian Greenwood
Lab
Nottingham South
Greenwood asked Merriman to draw a conclusion from the fact that there are no rail strikes going ahead in Wales, suggesting that active government intervention can help resolve issues between unions and employers.
Asked the SNP Scottish Government for recognition of failure in managing industrial relations, citing a lack of improvements despite a 5% pay rise and profit share. Highlighted continued strikes affecting Scotland.
Angus MacNeil
SNP
Na h-Eileanan an Iar
Accused the Tories of causing strikes in Scotland and Wales, suggesting market forces only apply to bankers' bonuses but not to workers’ wages. Criticised inequality issues exacerbated by the UK Government.
David Mundell
Con
Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale
Discussed industrial action affecting rail services in rural south Scotland, particularly focusing on disruption to passengers’ hospital appointments and daily activities. Criticised ScotRail for allowing tickets to be sold for cancelled trains, undermining confidence in rail travel. Emphasised the importance of connecting Scotland with the rest of the UK.
Hayes and Harlington
Clarifies the declaration of interests regarding RMT donations. Discusses three main demands of the RMT union: no compulsory redundancies, inflation proofing of members' incomes due to rising inflation rates, and negotiation over changes in jobs and conditions. Emphasises the importance of an act of good faith such as sitting in the same room for negotiations. Criticises any political move seen as taking on the trade union movement as 'the enemy within'. Expresses concern about threats to trade union rights and members' security due to the cost of living crisis.
Responds by finding the speech of John McDonnell quite frightening, suggesting it amounts to threatening the British public for voting Tory. Questions why a strike is being called at such an early stage and criticises interjections from other MPs.
Calls for moderation in language throughout the debate and asks Members to be conciliatory.
Intervenes to express agreement with Mike Penning's constituency situation regarding food banks and work insecurity. Criticises the Government for not showing respect or concern for those suffering from the cost of living crisis, urging them to protect livelihoods by getting round the table.
Sarah Green
Lib Dem
Chesham and Amersham
After the challenges of the pandemic, rail passenger numbers are trending upwards but face a fragile recovery due to planned strikes. In Chesham and Amersham, more than 6,000 people rely on rail daily. The RMT should realise that causing transport disruption will not increase public sympathy for their cause. The Government and unions must resolve this dispute before impacting passengers, including patients, students, workers, and self-employed individuals who will lose earnings. The Government's proposal to use agency staff is impractical given the current labour market conditions.
As someone proud of his father’s work in standing up for trade union members, Robert criticises RMT's decision to strike as being both poorly timed and tactically unsound. The strikes will impact businesses reliant on footfall from passengers, students facing exams, and healthcare workers who cannot reach their workplaces. He argues that the rail sector is at a critical moment for modernisation and sustainability; these strikes will hinder progress towards this goal. Robert calls for resolution to current industrial disputes.
While not directly contributing new points, Nigel Evans reminded Members of their duty to stay throughout the debate and participate respectfully.
Ian Byrne
Lab
Liverpool West Derby
Ian supports rail workers in Liverpool, standing behind them for improved conditions, pay, and safety. He criticises the Government for prioritising private operators over key workers' demands. The industrial action is a last resort after almost two years of negotiation failure. Ian stresses that cuts proposed by employers will affect safety and infrastructure, pushing many into poverty during the cost-of-living crisis. He questions the hypocrisy of politicians supporting high-paying jobs while undermining rail workers’ rights.
Rachael Maskell
Lab Co-op
York Central
Argues for humility in industrial disputes, urging all parties to listen and engage. She highlights rail workers' struggles with job security and livelihood issues amid rising costs. Requests the Government to change its approach and considers long-term stability and workforce planning crucial.
Supports the motion condemning strikes, citing his experience in the railway industry. Criticises RMT Broad Left for being pro-Russian separatists and anti-Ukrainian, emphasising that striking is driven by a militant faction within the union.
Ian Lavery
Lab
Blyth and Ashington
Defends his support from the RMT union, stating pride in receiving it. Challenges the narrative presented in right-wing media about unions supporting politicians.
Richard Burgon
Lab
Leeds East
Conservative Members' anti-trade union rhetoric is misplaced. Working people go on strike as a last resort to defend their pay, jobs, terms, conditions, and public safety. The number of food banks in the country should concern them more than attacking unions.
Ian Lavery
Lab
Blyth and Ashington
Called on Nigel Evans for a point of order regarding Lee Anderson's repeated allegations, asking for protection from such remarks.
Condemned the disruptive strikes planned by the RMT and questioned Labour's motives for not condemning them. Highlighted the human cost of the strikes on individuals and businesses and called on Labour and unions to side with working people rather than their own interests.
Grahame Morris
Lab
Easington
Emphasised the importance of taking heat out of the situation and finding a negotiated settlement. Highlighted that rail workers, including train drivers, cleaners, signalmen, and track maintainers are facing problems after two years of talks and discussions without resolution.
Asserted his support for self-employed workers over the side of striking labour unions. Criticised the Labour party for not standing up to their friends in trade union movement and called for RMT to make an immediate statement calling off strike action.
Zarah Sultana
Your Party
Coventry South
Connected the rail strike debate with previous discussions on Rwanda deportation policy and trans conversion therapy, arguing these issues are about dividing communities. Stressed that railway workers are standing up for jobs and pay but facing threats of compulsory redundancies and pay freezes.
Steve Brine
Con
Winchester
The speaker criticises the RMT for planning unnecessary strikes that will have a significant negative impact on his constituents, including missed work and hospital appointments. He notes that South Western Railway will run a limited service next week, but some services from Micheldever and Shawford will be cut out entirely. The speaker urges the RMT to engage in dialogue instead of calling off the strike.
Sally-Ann Hart
Con
Hastings and Rye
The speaker highlights the importance of railways for national prosperity and progress but notes that there has been a significant drop in railway usage since the pandemic, which is exacerbated by strikes. She argues against the fairness of taxpayer-funded support leading to strikes that disrupt businesses and tourism, particularly affecting disadvantaged people on low incomes.
Saqib Bhatti
Con
Meriden
The speaker criticises the Opposition for supporting the RMT's strike action, which he says will harm his constituents who rely heavily on train travel. He notes that strikes will disrupt public and road transport networks, affecting hospital appointments, family days out, and students' exam schedules. The speaker accuses the Labour party of being beholden to trade unions.
Paul Howell
Con
Sleaford and North Hykeham
The speaker expresses disappointment with the timing and lack of constructive dialogue from the RMT before striking, highlighting its inconsiderate impact on students taking exams and those recovering from the pandemic. He urges Labour to discourage excessive strike actions that frustrate levelling up efforts, climate change improvements, and post-pandemic recovery.
Jack Brereton
Con
Stoke-on-Trent South
Critiques the rail strikes as unjustified and reckless, citing increased reliance on taxpayer subsidies. Emphasises that wage levels in the sector are already high and calls for reform of working practices to modernise the railways.
Ruth Edwards
Con
Braintree
Calls upon Labour MPs to decide whose side they are on, condemning rail strikes while acknowledging the impact on constituents. Stresses that unions should accept changes in demand and working patterns due to the pandemic.
Julie Marson
Con
Bishop's Stortford
Firmly states her support for constituents over union demands, criticising the current leadership of rail workers' unions for not acting in the best interests of their members or public services.
Paul Bristow
Con
Peterborough
Supports railway staff but criticises the RMT and Labour Party for prioritising ideological stances over practical solutions. Urges a resolution to the dispute through dialogue with union leadership.
Rob Butler
Con
Aylesbury
Congratulates the Transport Secretary on recognising the need for modernisation of the railway system, criticises Labour's lack of clear policy direction and calls for condemnation of strikes.
Tan Dhesi
Lab
Slough
The proposed rail strikes are significant and can be avoided. The Labour party has highlighted that the Government's policies and mismanagement have led to the current situation, with issues such as pay, job losses, safety and maintenance facing the rail industry. The Secretary of State needs to show leadership by holding urgent meetings between Ministers, employers, and unions. The Government should invest in rather than cut services, promoting affordable and reliable rail travel.
Wendy Morton
Con
Aldridge-Brownhills
Morton expressed deep disappointment at the RMT's decision to go on strike, noting that these strikes will cause significant disruption and are detrimental to both public services and economic activities. She emphasised the government’s commitment to modernising railway systems through investments in infrastructure and ticketing discounts while urging the unions to resolve issues with industry leaders before it is too late.
Chris Loder
Con
West Dorset
Loder intervened to challenge Labour Members, particularly those who had previously supported strikes in Northern Rail. He questioned why these same Labour members were not condemning the current RMT strikes and urged them to consider their funding interests.
Louise Haigh
Lab
Sheffield Heeley
Haigh, a member of the opposition Labour party, engaged in debate with Morton. She challenged the government's position on the rail strikes but did not provide specific details or statistics within her brief intervention.
Clive Efford
Lab
Eltham and Chislehurst
Efford raised a point of order regarding voting consistency, questioning whether Members who shout 'No' should follow up with a vote to reflect their voice on the floor. This highlights internal debates within Parliament about adherence to procedural rules.
Nigel Evans
Con
Evans provided clarification on points of order raised by other members, reinforcing the principle that Members' votes should match their voices during debates and confirming that it is up to each individual Member to declare any financial interests as per parliamentary rules.
Claire Coutinho
Con
East Surrey
Coutinho raised a point of order regarding the declaration of financial interests, specifically asking if Members should declare whether they had received funding from RMT before speaking in debates. This highlights concerns about transparency and integrity within parliamentary proceedings.
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Assessment & feedback
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