Rayner backs strikes and Labour MPs join picket line despite appeal from Starmer

LABOUR'S deputy leader Angela Rayner today risked a split with Sir Keir Starmer over the rail strikes after she signalled her support for workers taking industrial action.

- David Bond

Despite Sir Keir's appeal to members of his shadow cabinet not to join picket lines, several senior Labour figures including Scottish leader Anas Sarwar and Kate Osborne - showed their solidarity by posting pictures of themselves alongside striking workers on social media.

Labour has said it does not want the strikes to go ahead and has instead tried to shift the blame to the Government by accusing them of failing to engage in negotiations. Conservative ministers meanwhile have tried to expose divisions in the opposition by calling on Sir Keir to condemn the strikes.