RMT writes to new Transport Secretary urging fresh approach

Rail union RMT has written to the new Transport Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan MP urging her to take a new approach to the rail dispute.

Ms Trevelyan was appointed yesterday and is on record as opposing ticket office closures in her constituency.

In November last year, the Berwick MP held talks with rail operator LNER in a bid to reverse its proposals to cut hours at Berwick Railway Station's Travel Centre.

In the letter, RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: "We are encouraged that you are on the record as wanting to save rail ticket offices, staffing and services in your own constituency and I would urge you to continue this approach as Secretary of State.

"There is clearly now the opportunity for a new approach from the Government to facilitate discussions between the RMT and the employers where the train companies and Network Rail are given more flexibility to secure a deal that is in the interests of workers, passengers and the country as a whole."

The RMT is due to take strike action on 15 and 17 September in a bid to secure a negotiated settlement to the ongoing national rail dispute.