Lynch lines up Christmas rail strikes despite 'positive talks'

FIREBRAND union boss Mick Lynch said that he is pushing ahead with Christmas rail strikes despite "positive" talks with the Government.

- Sam Lister

The RMT general secretary is threatening a series of 48-hour walkouts that will bring the network to a halt.

He said Transport Secretary Mark Harper had agreed to help find a resolution to the dispute with train bosses.

Mr Lynch said there had been none of the "bellicose nonsense" that had come from Mr Harper's predecessor Grant Shapps - but the union was "no closer" to calling off the strikes.

Mr Harper called the talks "constructive", adding: "We have common ground. We both want the dispute to end and want a thriving railway which delivers for passengers and workers.

"To achieve this though, we need to work together across the entire industry. There is a deal to be done and I believe we will get there.