it's 2pm. this is bbc news. i'm ben brown and these are the latest headlines. train passengers brace themselves for the biggest railway strikes in 30 years, starting tomorrow. industrial action is likely to proceed and people should take sensible preparation now because there's no point giving. that these strikes can be avoided. iii there's no point giving. that these strikes can be avoided.— there's no point giving. that these strikes can be avoided. if there's a train then there _ strikes can be avoided. if there's a train then there a _ strikes can be avoided. if there's a train then there a train. _ strikes can be avoided. if there's a train then there a train. if - strikes can be avoided. if there's a train then there a train. if not, - strikes can be avoided. if there's a train then there a train. if not, no | train then there a train. if not, no need _ train then there a train. if not, no need to— train then there a train. if not, no need to find — train then there a train. if not, no need to find another like to get work _ need to find another like to get work |— need to find another like to get work. , , ,., ., need to find another like to get work. , , ., , ~ work. i support the rail strike because not _ work. i support the rail strike because not been _ work. i support the rail strike because not been listened i work. i support the rail strike because not been listened to | work. i support the rail strike - because not been listened to the decade — because not been listened to the decade. w5— because not been listened to the decade. �* , ., because not been listened to the decade. �* , . ., because not been listened to the decade. �*, . ., . decade. it's a great inconvenience in peeple's _ decade. it's a great inconvenience in people's line. _ decade. it's a great inconvenience in people's line. -- _ decade. it's a great inconvenience in people's line. -- lives. - and there's disruption -- lives. in the skies too — thousands of passengers have their flights cancelled today after baggage problems at heathrow airport.

it comes after easyjet announced plans to cut more flights over summer. a setback for french president emmanuel macron as he loses his majority in parliament after elections over the weekend. a report into grooming and child sexual exploitation in oldham between 2011 and 2014 finds there were serious failings in the handling of some cases by the council and police. in sport, a first major trophy for england's matt fitzpatrick who's won the us open. and...up close and personal — we have a special report from uganda on a successful conservation effort to increase the number of mountain gorillas he so close to us. whenever closest relatives on earth. —— one of our. wow!

still no sign of a deal to avoid a strike. so, today, network rail has set out a plan for the limited number

ido i do think it is important that we send out a message early this week that industrial action is likely to proceed and therefore people should take sensible preparations now because there is no point in giving false hope. at this stage, it is likely that they will proceed. timetables for dry days show half an expert closed completely with no services at two parts of england and much of scotland and wales. even on non—strike days the industry says don't travel if you can avoid it and if you must go, check your travel. i will have to get a lift from

someone. it is what it is. it is just the training general and everybody else makes more money and this is the only way to do it. they hit the wrong people, don't they? it is annoying but raise the wages, they need — is annoying but raise the wages, they need it, everything is going up at the _ they need it, everything is going up at the minute. that they need it, everything is going up at the minute.— at the minute. that is it. the dis - ute at the minute. that is it. the dispute is — at the minute. that is it. the dispute is about _ at the minute. that is it. the dispute is about job - at the minute. that is it. the dispute is about job losses, i at the minute. that is it. the - dispute is about job losses, working dispute is aboutjob losses, working conditions and pay. with a gust of living expected to rise at an eye watering ii% this year, union say any less than that will leave its member worse. the industry says that micro it needs to modernise and cut costs. we are not saying...

proceed the unions say they were... the union should only talk to the railway unions. the the union should only talk to the railway unions.— the union should only talk to the railway unions. the government has it within its — railway unions. the government has it within its power _ railway unions. the government has it within its power to _ railway unions. the government has it within its power to convene - it within its power to convene talks, — it within its power to convene talks, bringing _ it within its power to convene talks, bringing the _ it within its power to convene talks, bringing the trade - it within its power to convene . talks, bringing the trade unions together— talks, bringing the trade unions together to _ talks, bringing the trade unions together to find _ talks, bringing the trade unions together to find a _ talks, bringing the trade unions together to find a resolution - talks, bringing the trade unions together to find a resolution to| together to find a resolution to this _ together to find a resolution to this and — together to find a resolution to this and it _ together to find a resolution to this. and it is _ together to find a resolution to this. and it is beyond - together to find a resolution to this. and it is beyond belief- together to find a resolution to. this. and it is beyond belief that the transport _ this. and it is beyond belief that the transport secretary - this. and it is beyond belief that the transport secretary hasn't . this. and it is beyond belief that i the transport secretary hasn't even tried to _ the transport secretary hasn't even tried to do — the transport secretary hasn't even tried to do that. _ the transport secretary hasn't even tried to do that. but _ the transport secretary hasn't even tried to do that. but with _ the transport secretary hasn't even tried to do that. but with no - tried to do that. but with no agreement— tried to do that. but with no agreement even— tried to do that. but with no agreement even on- tried to do that. but with no agreement even on who - tried to do that. but with no i agreement even on who should tried to do that. but with no - agreement even on who should be talking _ agreement even on who should be talking to — agreement even on who should be talking to whom, _ agreement even on who should be talking to whom, the _ agreement even on who should be talking to whom, the deal- agreement even on who should be talking to whom, the deal to - agreement even on who should be talking to whom, the deal to end i talking to whom, the deal to end this damaging _ talking to whom, the deal to end this damaging strike _ talking to whom, the deal to end this damaging strike looks - talking to whom, the deal to end this damaging strike looks as. talking to whom, the deal to end this damaging strike looks as far| this damaging strike looks as far away— this damaging strike looks as far away as— this damaging strike looks as far away as possible. _ this damaging strike looks as far away as possible. going - this damaging strike looks as far away as possible. going to - this damaging strike looks as far away as possible. going to try i this damaging strike looks as far. away as possible. going to try and -et away as possible. going to try and get a _ away as possible. going to try and get a picture — away as possible. going to try and get a picture of— away as possible. going to try and get a picture of what's _ away as possible. going to try and get a picture of what's happening i get a picture of what's happening around _ get a picture of what's happening around the — get a picture of what's happening around the country _ get a picture of what's happening around the country but _ get a picture of what's happening around the country but we - get a picture of what's happening around the country but we now. get a picture of what's happeningl around the country but we now go get a picture of what's happening. around the country but we now go to glasgow _ around the country but we now go to glasgow first. — around the country but we now go to glasgow. first, let's— around the country but we now go to glasgow. first, let's go— around the country but we now go to glasgow. first, let's go and - around the country but we now go to glasgow. first, let's go and cross .

glasgow. first, let's go and cross to nottingham _ glasgow. first, let's go and cross to nottingham. he _ glasgow. first, let's go and cross to nottingham. he is— glasgow. first, let's go and cross to nottingham. he is at- glasgow. first, let's go and cross i to nottingham. he is at nottingham station _ to nottingham. he is at nottingham station one — to nottingham. he is at nottingham station one of— to nottingham. he is at nottingham station. one of the _ to nottingham. he is at nottingham station. one of the rates _ to nottingham. he is at nottingham station. one of the rates affected. i station. one of the rates affected. can you _ station. one of the rates affected. can you give — station. one of the rates affected. can you give us— station. one of the rates affected. can you give us a _ station. one of the rates affected. can you give us a picture - station. one of the rates affected. can you give us a picture of- station. one of the rates affected. can you give us a picture of what l can you give us a picture of what it's going — can you give us a picture of what it's going to _ can you give us a picture of what it's going to be _ can you give us a picture of what it's going to be like _ can you give us a picture of what it's going to be like there - can you give us a picture of what it's going to be like there and . can you give us a picture of what . it's going to be like there and what sort of— it's going to be like there and what sort of service _ it's going to be like there and what sort of service or _ it's going to be like there and what sort of service or lack _ it's going to be like there and what sort of service or lack of _ it's going to be like there and what sort of service or lack of service . sort of service or lack of service passengers _ sort of service or lack of service passengers can _ sort of service or lack of service passengers can expect. - sort of service or lack of service passengers can expect.- sort of service or lack of service passengers can expect. there will be si . nificant passengers can expect. there will be significant disruption _ passengers can expect. there will be significant disruption here. _ passengers can expect. there will be significant disruption here. they've l significant disruption here. they've said they'll be a 70% reduction in their services across the strike days. that means in practical terms, they will be no trains travelling from the station to the east of the country such as lincoln, and norwich. and there will be a shorter window during the day in which people can travel. the final train will depart at 6:30pm. five hours earlier than usual. that explains why the word i keep hearing from passengers is annoying. there's lots of frustration around what this means for passengers' travel plans. people are having to come home early from their trips or leave early to

avoid strikes. one woman i spoke to earlier had to cancel her eurostar ticket to amsterdam for tomorrow and instead fly there today to avoid the strikes. there's some sympathy though. many passengers have been diplomatic. they understand why the workers are going on strike. that doesn't mean however that they like what's coming their way. the rail operator has said to seek alternative means of transport on strike day and only travel on the trains if absolutely necessary. thank you for that snapshot there. let's go to scotland now. there's going to be a very limited service in scotland as well. add correspond thatis in scotland as well. add correspond that is in glasgow. james, what is the picture there? scotrail really badly affected potentially? if anything, the situation in scotland seems to be worse in the midlands because scott rao had said that 90% of their services are going to be

cut on strike days. so there will be five services to stations like glasgow and edinburgh, bathgate in the central belt and towns like lanark, larkhalland hamilton the central belt and towns like lanark, larkhall and hamilton in the west. that's an incredibly limited part of the country which has got this reduced service which will only infect run from after 730 in the morning until around pm. infect run from after 730 in the morning untilaround pm. forall infect run from after 730 in the morning until around pm. for all the rest of the country, they will be no services, no scotrail services at all. so big stations like aberdeen and inverness will not have services and inverness will not have services and it will take them awhile to get things back up and running on days that when they are aren't striking, this week. in fact, scotrail are already dealing with another dispute with the train drivers union. that's already cut 700 services per day. there's a possibility that that dispute might be resolved in the near future but then there's another

dispute that scotrail is involved in with the rmt. aside from the one thatis with the rmt. aside from the one that is affecting network rail at the moment. so there really is the prospect in scotland, the potential, certainly, the continuing rolling problems on the railways, on the row network through the course of several weeks or maybe months in scotland. that's causing a lot of concern for hospitality and tourism, businesses who are looking forward to the peak—time of the scottish summer holidays actually start earlier than they do than in the rest of the country. so a lot of concern in scotland about the impact of the strike. concern in scotland about the impact of the strike-— of the strike. james, bank you. let's no of the strike. james, bank you. let's go to _ of the strike. james, bank you. let's go to euston _ of the strike. james, bank you. let's go to euston in _ of the strike. james, bank you. let's go to euston in london. i of the strike. james, bank you. i let's go to euston in london. one of the strike. james, bank you. - let's go to euston in london. one of the biggest stations in the country. what's the picture there? ben. what's the picture there? ben, --eole what's the picture there? ben, peeple here — what's the picture there? ben, people here have _ what's the picture there? ben, people here have already - what's the picture there? exam, people here have already begun changing their plans. in the last

theme i've spoken to a pensioner who had come from birmingham. he said that he came down earlier for his cancer treatment. that he came down earlier for his cancertreatment. he that he came down earlier for his cancer treatment. he had to stay in a hotel and had gone back up to birmingham. he said that it is like the 1970s. i've also spoken to another passenger who said he is worried about getting to heathrow later this week. equally, some passenger said to me, look, this stripe, they date think it will impact them and they don't have a strong opinion of it. but how can it affect other passengers? with been hearing tomorrow, tuesday and thursday and saturday, there's going to be around 20% of services running because 40,000 rail workers are coming out to strike. now, this is a very busy week for britain. we know

that young children and people taking exams will be sitting them this week, as well as that, there's an elton john this week, as well as that, there's an eltonjohn concert, a rolling stones concert and a cricket test match as well. don't they get, glastonbury festival is going to be taking place are a lot of disruption is expected as well. and then in places in the north, like blackpool, they won't be any services for passengers in the south, penzance and bournemouth will be impacted. so, lots there for many people to consider and the continuing message from the rail service providers is don't travel unless you have two. thank you very much. thanks too to james short in glasgow and correspondence in nottingham. let's

discuss the strikes with the conservative member of parliament and chair of the transport select committee. thanks very much. we've been hearing about the impending chaos on the railways. why doesn't the government step in and do something about this? we know talks are under way and there's been lots of calls for the government to intervene and they are refusing to do so. , , , ., do so. this is quite unusual situation — do so. this is quite unusual situation because _ do so. this is quite unusual situation because you - do so. this is quite unusual situation because you not i do so. this is quite unusuali situation because you not we do so. this is quite unusual- situation because you not we have industrial — situation because you not we have industrial action and strikes when talks— industrial action and strikes when talks are — industrial action and strikes when talks are broken down but talks have been ongoing, they've been going on for the _ been ongoing, they've been going on for the tast— been ongoing, they've been going on for the last year with unions and the employers. so, it does a little bit short— the employers. so, it does a little bit short sighted video to call a strike — bit short sighted video to call a strike trut— bit short sighted video to call a strike but then also say they'd like to speak— strike but then also say they'd like to speak to the government. the government will possibly end up signing — government will possibly end up signing up on this but you need the emptoyer_ signing up on this but you need the employer and employee representative to agree _ employer and employee representative to agree the reforms to then find the money— to agree the reforms to then find the money for the pay rises. so i'm not sure _ the money for the pay rises. so i'm not sure what politician in the room would _ not sure what politician in the room would actually do in those talks are currentty _ would actually do in those talks are currently ongoing. | would actually do in those talks are currently ongoing.—

would actually do in those talks are currently ongoing. i know that there are lots of issues _ currently ongoing. i know that there are lots of issues about _ currently ongoing. i know that there are lots of issues about jobs, - currently ongoing. i know that there are lots of issues about jobs, the i are lots of issues aboutjobs, the reform and modernisation of the railway but unions essentially want a pay rise and we know inflation is heading towards ii%. we know there's a cost of living crisis. why should they not get a pay rise when it's reported that the railway has made £500 million profit? 50 reported that the railway has made £500 million profit?— £500 million profit? so the railway indust is £500 million profit? so the railway industry is received _ £500 million profit? so the railway industry is received a _ £500 million profit? so the railway industry is received a subsidy - £500 million profit? so the railway industry is received a subsidy of. industry is received a subsidy of £16 billion. we are on the back of pre—pandemic rail users. used to be that train— pre—pandemic rail users. used to be that train tickets pay for the rail services — that train tickets pay for the rail services but things have got to change — services but things have got to change was that we the cut the timetable, increase passenger fares but this— timetable, increase passenger fares but this may not get people back on the railway — but this may not get people back on the railway. we carry on subsidising which _ the railway. we carry on subsidising which will— the railway. we carry on subsidising which will impact schools and hospitals all we ask the reforms and its those _ hospitals all we ask the reforms and its those that i think will make the railway— its those that i think will make the railway safer, better for passengers but also _ railway safer, better for passengers but also we will find the money to -ive but also we will find the money to give those — but also we will find the money to give those who work on the railway and much—needed pay rise sol give those who work on the railway and much—needed pay rise so i agree it's needed _ and much—needed pay rise so i agree it's needed but we need to work out

the reforms — it's needed but we need to work out the reforms that then deliver that pay rise _ the reforms that then deliver that pay rise with the efficiency savings _ pay rise with the efficiency savings. 50 pay rise with the efficiency savinas. , , savings. so basically the case being ut b the savings. so basically the case being put by the management _ savings. so basically the case being put by the management and - savings. so basically the case being put by the management and it - savings. so basically the case being i put by the management and it sounds like by you is that you can have a pay rise but only if you agree to the package of modernisation and the unions say that package is effectively means job cuts. effectively means 'ob cuts. there will be some — effectively means job cuts. there will be some natural— effectively means job cuts. there will be some natural wastage - effectively means job cuts. there will be some natural wastage in i effectively means job cuts. there i will be some natural wastage in the system, _ will be some natural wastage in the system, no — will be some natural wastage in the system, no doubt. but this would be undertaken — system, no doubt. but this would be undertaken by voluntary redundancies rather— undertaken by voluntary redundancies rather than _ undertaken by voluntary redundancies rather than compulsory because there are some _ rather than compulsory because there are some efficiency savings which bring _ are some efficiency savings which bring the — are some efficiency savings which bring the railways up—to—date with other— bring the railways up—to—date with other industries which have modernised. i'm not here to back up the government. i chair a cross—party select committee but i agree _ cross—party select committee but i agree that — cross—party select committee but i agree that we looked at transport for the _ agree that we looked at transport for the last seven years and this is the one _ for the last seven years and this is the one area where reform has in stow _ the one area where reform has in stow and — the one area where reform has in slow and inefficient. it's not as good _ slow and inefficient. it's not as good for— slow and inefficient. it's not as good for passengers as it could be. why do— good for passengers as it could be. why do we — good for passengers as it could be. why do we have people operating on tracks— why do we have people operating on tracks when technology can do so better _ tracks when technology can do so better and — tracks when technology can do so better and more safely. there is a win for— better and more safely. there is a win for everyone here but we really need _ win for everyone here but we really need the _ win for everyone here but we really need the unions to call off the

strike — need the unions to call off the strike so— need the unions to call off the strike so that we can get round the table _ strike so that we can get round the table won't — strike so that we can get round the table won't talk about these reforms which _ table won't talk about these reforms which delivered a pay rise which... surety— which delivered a pay rise which... surely another way of doing it is to separate out the two and say, ok, let's talk about pay. you can have... pay rise and modernisations later on a separately? that would break the logjam, wouldn't it? and n d prospect of these disasters strikes? �* ' ~ , ., ., strikes? but with £16 billion worth of taxpayers _ strikes? but with £16 billion worth of taxpayers money _ strikes? but with £16 billion worth of taxpayers money and _ strikes? but with £16 billion worth of taxpayers money and not - strikes? but with £16 billion worth of taxpayers money and not as - strikes? but with £16 billion worth i of taxpayers money and not as much going _ of taxpayers money and not as much going on— of taxpayers money and not as much going on in— of taxpayers money and not as much going on in the future it's clear people — going on in the future it's clear people aren't going to return back to the _ people aren't going to return back to the railways as they were so only 65% had _ to the railways as they were so only 65% had people have gone back to day—to—day commuting. it's the reform. — day—to—day commuting. it's the reform. the _ day—to—day commuting. it's the reform, the modernisation, the efficiencies which generates the pay rises so _ efficiencies which generates the pay rises so we — efficiencies which generates the pay rises so we have to agree those first of— rises so we have to agree those first of att— rises so we have to agree those first of all to but a figure on how much _ first of all to but a figure on how much they— first of all to but a figure on how much they are worth so then that goes _ much they are worth so then that goes in _ much they are worth so then that goes in parts of the taxpayer to save _ goes in parts of the taxpayer to save money but in parts of the railway— save money but in parts of the railway workers to get in the pay rise _ railway workers to get in the pay rise you — railway workers to get in the pay rise. you can't separate them. one

delivers the — rise. you can't separate them. one delivers the other. _ rise. you can't separate them. iez delivers the other. we got rise. you can't separate them. ©“i2 delivers the other. we got a cost of living crisis with inflation rocketing up every month. the railway workers wages are diminishing, month by month. that's riuht. but diminishing, month by month. that's right- itut we — diminishing, month by month. that's right. but we need _ diminishing, month by month. that's right. but we need to _ diminishing, month by month. that's right. but we need to look— diminishing, month by month. that's right. but we need to look at - diminishing, month by month. that's right. but we need to look at the - right. but we need to look at the rail industry with more optimistic tenses _ rail industry with more optimistic tenses in— rail industry with more optimistic lenses. in ten years, the number of peoptem _ lenses. in ten years, the number of people... their pay has gone up by 25%~ _ people... their pay has gone up by 25%~ this — people... their pay has gone up by 25%~ this is — people... their pay has gone up by 25%~ this is a _ people... their pay has gone up by 25%. this is a well protected job but equally, you can't ignore the fact that — but equally, you can't ignore the fact that fewer people are using the railways _ fact that fewer people are using the railways. therefore, it's down to the railway— railways. therefore, it's down to the railway industry is to modernise and find _ the railway industry is to modernise and find the savings but then keep people _ and find the savings but then keep people well protected. you and find the savings but then keep people well protected.— people well protected. you saying the are people well protected. you saying they are overpaid? _ people well protected. you saying they are overpaid? -- _ people well protected. you saying they are overpaid? -- are - people well protected. you saying they are overpaid? -- are you - they are overpaid? -- are you sa inc? they are overpaid? -- are you saying? its — they are overpaid? -- are you saying? its the _ they are overpaid? -- are you saying? as the unions - they are overpaid? -- are you - saying? as the unions themselves said track— saying? as the unions themselves said back in — saying? as the unions themselves said back in 2019, withjust delivered an above inflation pay rise which— delivered an above inflation pay rise which has been successfully done _ rise which has been successfully done but — rise which has been successfully done but the time has come where the

money— done but the time has come where the money isn't _ done but the time has come where the money isn't as flowing as it used to. money isn't as flowing as it used to the — money isn't as flowing as it used to. the money doesn't pay for the railways _ to. the money doesn't pay for the railways as— to. the money doesn't pay for the railways as it used to from the passenger tickets. 30 railways as it used to from the passenger tickets. so essentially, we could be _ passenger tickets. so essentially, we could be facing _ passenger tickets. so essentially, we could be facing because - passenger tickets. so essentially, we could be facing because each i passenger tickets. so essentially, i we could be facing because each side is far apart we could be facing because each side is farapart on we could be facing because each side is far apart on this, months and months of disruption that could go right on through the summer, couldn't it? it right on through the summer, couldn't it?— right on through the summer, couldn't it? .., ,., ., , couldn't it? it could, potentially. ithink couldn't it? it could, potentially. lthink it's— couldn't it? it could, potentially. i think it's important _ couldn't it? it could, potentially. i think it's important we - couldn't it? it could, potentially. i think it's important we use - couldn't it? it could, potentially. i i think it's important we use these strikes _ i think it's important we use these strikes to— i think it's important we use these strikes to say we cannot carry on like this — strikes to say we cannot carry on like this it — strikes to say we cannot carry on like this. it will damage the railway— like this. it will damage the railway workforce and passengers. let's _ railway workforce and passengers. let's double down, find these reforms — let's double down, find these reforms we can agree on and see how much _ reforms we can agree on and see how much pay— reforms we can agree on and see how much pay rises delivered to the workforce — much pay rises delivered to the workforce and then find some way of agree _ workforce and then find some way of agree i'd _ workforce and then find some way of agree. i'd rathertake the workforce and then find some way of agree. i'd rather take the politics out of— agree. i'd rather take the politics out of it— agree. i'd rather take the politics out of it and not have the politicians in the rain. it makes sense — politicians in the rain. it makes sense to — politicians in the rain. it makes sense to take the heat out and let's -et sense to take the heat out and let's get these _ sense to take the heat out and let's get these thingss worked out. this is how— get these thingss worked out. this is how the — get these thingss worked out. this is how the strike will end.- is how the strike will end. thank ou,

is how the strike will end. thank you. chair— is how the strike will end. thank you. chair of— is how the strike will end. thank you, chair of the _ is how the strike will end. thank you, chair of the transport - you, chair of the transport committee. this afternoon we going to discuss the strikes this week. why they are happening and what to do as a passenger this week. at 3:30pm, will bejoined by the deputy editor of modern railways magazine and one of the top experts of the railway industry in this country. so if you've got a question you'd like answered, use our social media or e—mail your questions to our usual address. at 4:30pm, the transport secretary grant shapps is going to be here and we will bring you that and you can stay up—to—date on all the latest developments on our website. there is also disruption on the airlines as well. easyjet have said

they will make further cuts to flights this summer. they said it's to manage problem such as staff shortages at airports. it says customers will be given advance notice about cancellations. meanwhile, heat woe airlines have said they —— heathrow airport had said they —— heathrow airport had said they —— heathrow airport had said they will cut 10% of their flights. these are pictures from the airport over the weekend. this was following huge problems processing people's baggage. let's get more from our correspondence. can we start with those pictures of the baggage. i mean, extraordinary. people will know how awful that is when you've come back from your long journey and you can't get your bags may be for several days. what journey and you can't get your bags may be for several days.— journey and you can't get your bags may be for several days. what is the cause of that? _ may be for several days. what is the cause of that? i _ may be for several days. what is the cause of that? i spoke _ may be for several days. what is the cause of that? i spoke to _ may be for several days. what is the cause of that? i spoke to heathrowi cause of that? i spoke to heathrow over the phone and they told me that while there is a lot of talk about staff shortages and a lot of

airports who lost their staff during the pandemic, this was a technical issue on friday at terminal two which led to a lot of bags not going to their rightful owners. as a result, the knock—on effect has caused a logjam and they've asked their carriers who are flying from their carriers who are flying from the airport today to try and reduce the airport today to try and reduce the number of flights they going to be using in an attempt to try and get this logjam of bags to the rightful people. they've said fewer than 35 in total across all providers and about 5000 passengers, in total today. tell providers and about 5000 passengers, in total today-— in total today. tell us more about what easyjet _ in total today. tell us more about what easyjet are _ in total today. tell us more about what easyjet are saying. - in total today. tell us more about what easyjet are saying. they - in total today. tell us more about i what easyjet are saying. they going to make more cuts to flights this summer? ~ �* ., ., summer? we've heard about the railway having — summer? we've heard about the railway having an _ summer? we've heard about the railway having an impact - summer? we've heard about the railway having an impact on - summer? we've heard about the railway having an impact on the i summer? we've heard about the - railway having an impact on the road and now we are talking about the skies as well. this is been a problem throughout the summer because of course throughout the pandemic, the industry lost lots of members of staff and the problem is

as coronavirus extractions have eased, lots of people want to go away but they haven't got the staff to do that. easyjet have been hit by this. they cancelled quite a lot of lights but they've said today, we are going to reduce our capacity overjuly, august and september down to 97% and that is what they were hoping for. it actual going to be 90% from what we heard today, in that reduction there. they are calling this proactive consolidation to try and get ahead of themselves, consolidate passengers onto fewer flights to get more passengers in the air. the chief executive has said the ongoing challenges is continuing to have an impact and coupled with airport caps, we are taking pre—emptive action to reduce flights. we hope passengers to be rebooked on flights within 24 hours.

they have think this is the right action to take.— action to take. proactive consolidation. _ action to take. proactive consolidation. i- action to take. proactive consolidation. i love - action to take. proactive consolidation. i love the| action to take. proactive - consolidation. i love the way they come up with these phrases! at least it's not a last—minute cancellation because we were hearing stories about people checking in and then submit hearing their flight was cancelled. , , ., submit hearing their flight was cancelled. , , . . , cancelled. yes. they are the vast ma'ori cancelled. yes. they are the vast majority of _ cancelled. yes. they are the vast majority of customers _ cancelled. yes. they are the vast majority of customers so - cancelled. yes. they are the vast majority of customers so to - cancelled. yes. they are the vast majority of customers so to me i cancelled. yes. they are the vast i majority of customers so to me that doesn't say everybody and it will be a lot of disappointed people but easyjet have also said to us that this is a problem with staffing but there's also a knock—on effect from airports around the world who are struggling with the pandemic. one of thoseis struggling with the pandemic. one of those is gatwick and another is amsterdam. these two airports have said they've reduced the number of flights going out in the summer months. they usually have 900 flights per day injuly and august. they have capped this now to 850, 820 in august. so easyjet are saying now they've got less staff so they need to reduce their capacity to 90%

over the summer months. we are also getting stuck because airports are capping the number of flights mean we can't get as many planes and yeah. we can't get as many planes and eah. . ~ we can't get as many planes and eah. ., ,, , ., we can't get as many planes and eah. ., ~' , ., , we can't get as many planes and eah. ., ,, , . we can't get as many planes and eah. . ~ , . ., yeah. thank you very much for explaining- — yeah. thank you very much for explaining- a _ yeah. thank you very much for explaining. a helicopter- yeah. thank you very much for explaining. a helicopter has i yeah. thank you very much for - explaining. a helicopter has crashed into a field in a village in north yorkshire. north yorkshire police have said emergency services were at the scene near burton in lonsdale, near the border with lancashire and cumbria. they said the incident happened earlier today. the yorkshire air ambulance service attended but a spokeswoman could not confirm any further details. people are strongly urged to avoid the area. france's president emmanuel macron has experienced a major political setback, losing his parliamentary majority in the country's elections. his party, "ensemble", is still the biggest in the national assembly — holding 245 seats. but it suffered the loss of dozens more. it means president macron will now be forced to negotiate

with opposition parties in order to get his policies through. the election saw major advances for a new left—wing alliance and for marine le pen's party of the far—right. our paris correspondent lucy williamson reports. emmanuel macron's presidency just got tougher. his centrist coalition has lost a third of its seats. just look at the mood. translation: the situation is unprecedented. _ the national assembly has never seen a configuration of this type in the fifth republic. this situation constitutes a risk for our country, in view of the challenges that we have to face. this is now president macron's main opposition, a new alliance of green and left—wing parties dominated by far left mps, the initial estimates confirming their new status as the first opposition party of france.

translation: it's the total defeat of the president's party, _ and there is no majority. we have achieved the political objective we gave ourselves, to bring down the man who with such arrogance twisted the arm of the whole country to get elected. but this was the big surprise of the night — marine le pen's far right national rally party jumped from a handful of seats to almost 90. plenty of opposition to the president from all sides. translation: we are going - to continue to bring french people together as part of the great popular movement unifying all patriots, from the right and the left. the parliamentary opposition to macron's centrist coalition is now much stronger than before, but it's also more fractured, with one block led by jean—luc melenchon on the far left of the chamber, and another by marine le pen on the far right.

french politics is realigning around these three political groups. some voters say it's no bad thing if president macron is forced to negotiate with his opponents. others believe denying the government a majority only leads to stagnation. president macron is facing a new area of political opposition that some see as good for democracy and others as bad for france. lucy williamson, bbc news, paris. let's speak to the bbc�*s hugh schofield in paris. what is president macron's best way out of this fix? ihe what is president macron's best way out of this fix?— out of this fix? he is in a fix and there's no _ out of this fix? he is in a fix and there's no doubt _ out of this fix? he is in a fix and there's no doubt about - out of this fix? he is in a fix and there's no doubt about this. - out of this fix? he is in a fix and there's no doubt about this. it's| out of this fix? he is in a fix and i there's no doubt about this. it's a situation he'd never thought he would get into and he'll have to be very, very creative and do something he isn't used to doing which is

making alliances or trying to build alliances with people who are basically in the opposition. the last five years, he's managed to ignore parliament and the french system because he has a majority. suddenly, that has ended and he's got this hostile majority in parliament. luckily for him, that hostile majority is divided into the far left and the far right so they can't agree amongst themselves to come together to push him out but it means getting legislation through parliament will be difficult. his most likely port of call is going to be the rump that is left of the old conservatives who are still there, nicolas sarkozy. if he can build some sort of arrangement with them then he has a chance of getting some

changes through parliament but the republicans to do him any favours and even if he does find an arrangement with them it means it becomes to facto a right—wing party because it means working with the right and he doesn't want that because it's not what he designed himself to be. so it's a very difficult time for him. it’s himself to be. so it's a very difficult time for him. it's very confusing _ difficult time for him. it's very confusing to — difficult time for him. it's very confusing to outsiders - difficult time for him. it's very | confusing to outsiders because difficult time for him. it's very - confusing to outsiders because we've got macron getting elected to the presidency and then the voters give him a slap in the face by not giving him a slap in the face by not giving him a slap in the face by not giving him a majority in the parliament. how do we explain that? you him a majority in the parliament. how do we explain that?- how do we explain that? you can exlain it how do we explain that? you can explain it by _ how do we explain that? you can explain it by the _ how do we explain that? you can explain it by the general- how do we explain that? you can explain it by the general desire i how do we explain that? you can | explain it by the general desire of the french all the time to give a kicking to their leaders. he has and

one surprise second term, surprising since none one had done this for a while. but the opposition is very divided. you've got three blocks. the far left, the far right and himself in the centre. his fortune or design is that these two groups of opponents making up 60% of the country are at loggerheads together and he can get through but one thing the blocks agree against is him however. so both sides have taken the opportunity to give him the kicking they thought he deserved. now he's in a very difficult situation. it's not totally lost that he has the biggest party in parliament but it's going to be a battle at every turn as he tries to get through any kind of reforms through. it’s get through any kind of reforms throu~h. v . get through any kind of reforms throu~h. �*, ., ., ,. ., through. it's a fascinating situation. _ through. it's a fascinating situation. whew, - through. it's a fascinating - situation. whew, thank you for explaining that to us. our paris

correspondence. let's get your weather now. sunny and pleasantly warm. temperatures lifting for us for the next two days. a very pleasant 22—23 c and maybe across eastern areas of scotland as well. high pollen levels today. we end with some sunshine this evening but, overnight, this cloud coming in from the north—west heading to scotland and northern ireland which will bring some rain. clearer skies for wales and england. temperatures drop away to 7—8 c. milder under the cloud. london northern ireland. not too much rain here. a few showers but equally, some glimpses of sunshine. more clout in the far north of england and we will keep the cloud and sunny skies ——. near a 17-18 c the cloud and sunny skies ——. near a 17—18 cfor scotland

the cloud and sunny skies ——. near a 17—18 c for scotland and northern ireland. hello, this is bbc news. i'm ben brown and these are the headlines. train passengers brace themselves for the biggest railway strikes in 30 years starting tomorrow. and there's disruption in the skies too — thousands of passengers have their flights cancelled today after baggage problems at heathrow airport. it comes after easyjet announced plans to cut more flights over summer. a setback for french president emmanuel macron as he loses his majority in parliament after elections over the weekend. a report into grooming and child sexual exploitation in oldham between 2011 and 2014 finds there were serious failings in the handling of some cases by the council and police. in sport, a first major trophy for england's matt fitzpatrick who's won the us open.

and close and personal — we have a special report from uganda on a successful conservation effort to increase the number of mountain gorillas. sport, for a full round up, from the bbc sport centre, here's holly. matt fitzpatrick, his name is in the history book, that is the biggest history book, that is the biggest history of his career in the us open, and he played what he called buy the best shots of his life on the 80s from the bunker to somehow reach the green, and that forces playing partner will zalatoris to make this part to force a play—off, look at that, he missed, so fitzpatrick when the title byjust one shot. and he becomes the first englishman to winds the us open sincejustin rose in 2013.

afterwards, he put his success down to his yorkshire roots. i afterwards, he put his success down to his yorkshire roots.— to his yorkshire roots. i certainly work hard _ to his yorkshire roots. i certainly work hard for _ to his yorkshire roots. i certainly work hard for it _ to his yorkshire roots. i certainly work hard for it and _ to his yorkshire roots. i certainly work hard for it and that - to his yorkshire roots. i certainly work hard for it and that is - to his yorkshire roots. i certainly work hard for it and that is kind i to his yorkshire roots. i certainlyl work hard for it and that is kind of where i have grown up from, that is the mentality of everyone around there, you sort of, it is not upper—class at all, it is, i can't think of the words, i have been out of the country too long, but it is certainly underdog mentality and you know you work hard, you work for what you get. england head coach eddiejones has named a 36—player squad for the tour of australia next month. it features 12 players from the weekend's english premiership final between leicester tigers and saracens, including a return for billy vunipola. and the remarkable revival of danny care's england career continues. the 35—year—old harlequins scrum—half won the last of his 84 caps in 2018, but featured for england against the barbarians at twickenham on sunday. he's named alongside eight uncapped

players for the three—test tour. danny has always been a really good player but the game is changing, you know, and it keeps going back and forth. we saw the final on saturday, it was 96 kicks. that it was 96 kicks. is like the 2007 world cup final. but then you watch super rugby final and you watch the other games, there is this ability to have really quick ruck ball, and the really good attacking teams are able then to make sure the defence doesn't recover, and there is no one better in the game at the moment than danny care. natalie metcalfe will take on the england captaincy for the common wealth title defence next month. as a 12 player squad has been named, england shocked the host australia to winds their first commonwealth gold in 2018. seven players from that side have once again been

picked. it isa it is a privilege and i think one thing we are really focused on, obviously, is what we did in the commonweath games are back in 2018 but it is not the next chapter and i think one thing that has been really successful at is being in the moment and being present and enjoying the journey, embracing thejourney and being present and enjoying the journey, embracing the journey and and being present and enjoying the journey, embracing thejourney and i think that is what we want to do. if we do that, we are capable of achieving anything. tottenham have si . ned achieving anything. tottenham have sinned drew achieving anything. tottenham have signed drew spence, _ achieving anything. tottenham have signed drew spence, he _ achieving anything. tottenham have signed drew spence, he left - achieving anything. tottenham have| signed drew spence, he left chelsea last month where he spent the last 14 years. in fact, she was the club's longest serving player with 38 appearances. she won five league titles, three fa cup two continental cups and one community shield. what a list. today is the last day before wimbledon gets under way next week.

heather watson has already been in action today against canada's rebecca marino but she did lose 7—6, 6-4, rebecca marino but she did lose 7—6, 6—4, although she is back in doubles action later this afternoon. and world number 35 allison risk is on court at the moment against magda lynette, it is one set apiece at the moment, you can follow this match right now on the bbc sport website, as well as the first day of wimbledon qualifications, you get that on the app as well. and that is of your sport for now, i will have more throughout the afternoon, ben. the taliban source has told the bbc these being released include former bbc cameraman peter, although the government has not confirmed the names of those involved. our

correspondent in kabul has been given us the latest details. friends and family of the former bbc cameraman have confirmed that he is amongst the men who have been released. we understand that all these former detainees have now been flown out of afghanistan. a group of british men had been detained late last year and held on unspecified charges, some sources have told me they were suspected of spying, of course their families deny that the thatis course their families deny that the that is what they were doing. we did know that there were back door channels and negotiations taking place between the uk authorities and the taliban authorities here in afghanistan for a number of months now. it seems of italy that has now reached the culmination, these men have been released, and with the uk government has welcomed, and it will be hugely welcomed by their families. in this statement from the

uk foreign office, they didn't give a great deal of detail, but it said that the uk government regretted this episode, it apologised on behalf of the families of these men for any offence that had been caused by them, it stressed that their activities here in afghanistan were not related to the uk government �*s work and that they travel to afghanistan was against the uk government has backed travel advice. interestingly, yesterday, we had another separate statement released by the uk embassy to afghanistan, which is currently in qatar and aha, saying that the uk government did not support any form of political violence aimed at overthrowing the authorities here in afghanistan, it seems likely that, too, that statement two was part of the negotiations for the race of his men.

there were �*serious failings' in oldham by authorities meant to protect children from grooming and sexual exploitation, according to a report into historical offences in the town between 2011 and 2014. greater manchester police and oldham council have both offered apologies for the way they let down and failed to protect a number of children. but the report found no evidence of a cover—up. the report involves a 12—year—old girl called sophie who was taken from the police station and subsequently wrecked by several men. several years later, she reported it

but it seemed... brute severalyears later, she reported it but it seemed. . ._ severalyears later, she reported it but it seemed... we have concluded that the interventions _ but it seemed... we have concluded that the interventions of _ but it seemed... we have concluded that the interventions of both - but it seemed... we have concluded that the interventions of both the i that the interventions of both the council and greater manchester police and the investigations into her allegations fell far short of what was required to protect sophie, who was only 12 years old at the time of her abuse.— who was only 12 years old at the time of her abuse. now, the report also looked — time of her abuse. now, the report also looked at _ time of her abuse. now, the report also looked at ten _ time of her abuse. now, the report also looked at ten other _ time of her abuse. now, the report also looked at ten other cases i time of her abuse. now, the report also looked at ten other cases and | also looked at ten other cases and it found in those that the casework was generally very poor and procedures that should have been in place to protect children were not working as efficiently or effectively as they should have done. in a news conference this morning, the leader of oldham council and the chief constable of greater manchester police by fully accepted the report and apologised to all victims of child sexual expectation in the jam. the chief constable of greater manchester police said, we were not you for you when you need us and he ended with a

statement had a message to offenders saying, if you think you have got away with this, you are wrong, we are coming for you. the ukrainian president has warned that russia is likely to intensify its attacks this week, as he waits a historic decision from the european union on its membership application to the eu. it comes after a number of world leaders warned that the war in ukraine could last for years and the head of nato is saying to the west must prepare to continue supporting the country. downing street says borisjohnson has undergone an operation on his sinuses and a general aesthetic at a london hospital this morning. he is now said to be back in downing street and resting, after what his office described as a very minor routine operation. a private members bill asking for the introduction of statutory time off for those undergoing literary —— fertility treatment will be looked

at in parliament. you are pumped full of so many awful hormones. it's a huge, huge roller coaster. and each day was really difficult. so i'd end up taking presentations to the clinic to try and get the work done. you're injecting yourself more than once a day. sometimes you're having more than one blood test a day. and it was extremely difficult, coupled with the need to hide what was going on from your employer as though it was something to be ashamed of. anne, not her real name, says she was forced out of herjob in the city after a dispute with her employer over the time she needed to take off work for ivf treatment. she left the company and signed a non—disclosure agreement. i was asked the question, how much did i want a career and how

much did i want a family? and that question was surprisingly easy to answer, but it was a question no woman should ever be asked. around 50,000 women have ivf each year, with many having multiple cycles. the success rate per embryo transfer varies from 32% for women under 35 to under 5% for women over 43. that's according to the uk's fertility regulator. currently, there's no statutory right to time off work for fertility treatment. so, there isn't any legal right to taking time off, whether paid or unpaid. for any fertility treatments in the workplace until there has been successful implementation of fertilised ova, for example, when we're looking at in—vitro fertilisation, ivf, which is one of the most common fertility treatments.

a conservative mp is calling for more legal protection. the crux of my bill is to be able to give women the power and the confidence that if they are going to go through ivf treatment, that they will be supported by their employer and by society as a whole. here in london's harley street, there's several fertility clinics. the local mp says that queues of women form here early in the mornings as they try to get appointments without having to take time off from work. business community representatives, the british chambers of commerce, say many employers operate broad and flexible working practices to help people balance work and family commitments. anne gave birth to a daughter and says she's speaking out in the hope of making things better for her future. shelley phelps, bbc news. next to natalie silverman who

underwent ivf as working as a freelance radio presenter. thank you for being with us. currently, there is no right to take paid or unpaid leave forfertility is no right to take paid or unpaid leave for fertility treatment and the effect of that is, i suppose, for some people, for some couples to keep the whole thing secret, which seems a terrible burden. ads. keep the whole thing secret, which seems a terrible burden.— seems a terrible burden. a burden and heartbreaking, _ seems a terrible burden. a burden and heartbreaking, as _ seems a terrible burden. a burden and heartbreaking, as you - seems a terrible burden. a burden and heartbreaking, as you have i and heartbreaking, as you have heard. we know from ourfindings at fertility matters at work that i 6% didn't feel confident talking to their employer about them are going to. 69% took time off. as you said, i was hosting a breakfast radio show, i said i was hosting a breakfast radio show, isaid i i was hosting a breakfast radio show, i said i was having medical treatment but a lot of people are fearful about what might happen, they might be overlooked for their pronation, to the huge emotional toll on people lack well—being. there is a private members bill on this, is it going to be successful, do you think? are you hopeful there

will be a breakthrough and a change in the law? ~ ., ., ., , ., in the law? what we are hoping for is that more _ in the law? what we are hoping for is that more people _ in the law? what we are hoping for is that more people understand i in the law? what we are hoping for| is that more people understand the impact of this issue and that this isn't a lifestyle choice which can often be represent —— misrepresented in the media, unfortunately. the world half ofjair nation —— the world health organization has treated this as a medical need. we hope people feel this is acknowledged and the workplace is understanding that this is an important impact and they can retain the good people because they are looking after them better. and i looking after them better. and i think there _ looking after them better. and i think there was _ looking after them better. and i think there was a _ looking after them better. and i think there was a survey - looking after them better. and i think there was a survey that i looking after them better. and i think there was a survey that showed more than one in four respondents had a negative experience with their employer while they were having fertility treatment. that is a real shame, isn't it, because it is a very stressful time anyway? and if you are having a stressful relationship with your employers, that makes it even worse. especially when ou that makes it even worse. especially when you think _ that makes it even worse. especially when you think of _ that makes it even worse. especially when you think of how— that makes it even worse. especially when you think of how long - that makes it even worse. especially when you think of how long we i that makes it even worse. especially| when you think of how long we spend in the workplace, and that many consider it a safe space. if i had

not told friends and family about what they are going through and they are reliant on that relationship with their line manager. and we hear people saying they are lucky that their line manager understood but we want to help raise awareness of the impact this treatment has from an emotional, physical, financial place on people whilst they are at work, and having to hide it because they are so fearful of the consequences, sadly. d0 are so fearful of the consequences, sadl . , ., are so fearful of the consequences, sadl . ,, ,, are so fearful of the consequences, sadl. ,, , , sadly. do you think most empires would be so _ sadly. do you think most empires would be so pathetic _ sadly. do you think most empires would be so pathetic that - sadly. do you think most empires would be so pathetic that they i sadly. do you think most empires i would be so pathetic that they knew or does it need a change in the law to make it happen? we or does it need a change in the law to make it happen?— to make it happen? we have been havin: to make it happen? we have been having amazing — to make it happen? we have been having amazing conversations i to make it happen? we have been| having amazing conversations with organisations who just didn't realise. you don't know what you don't know, the number of people impacted, one in six couples, one in seven individuals, it is so likely to be your workforce so we hope we can educate employers on the emotional toll this takes, how better to support their workforce, to hold onto them, because we know people are talking with their feet, ultimately, at the moment, people are looking for this type of support, because it should be a right for people to try for

family, however that might take them. so many companies talk about being family friendly, we wanted —— we want them to think about the preconception part as well. thank ou for preconception part as well. thank you for talking — preconception part as well. thank you for talking to _ preconception part as well. thank you for talking to us, _ preconception part as well. thank you for talking to us, natalie i you for talking to us, natalie silverman, co—founder of fertility matter. at work. leaders from around the commonwealth are in rwanda this week for discussions about the future of their countries. it comes as a number of caribbean countries consider becoming a republic. it happened in barbados last year, and jamaica could be next. adina campbell is in the jamaican capital, kingston. well, it is a significant time here injamaica. this is a manse in a speech —— emancipation park in kingston. in august, the country marks 60 years since independence but with attention turning to

another political shift with plans under way of becoming a republic, people here will be watching very closely to see if jamaica breaks away from the british monarchy. jamaica's north coast, a picture postcard of expansive shorelines and mountainous views. but beyond the dreamy landscape, there's the more serious business of politics and the country's future. ocho rios captures the beauty of this caribbean island and is a tourism hotspot. when it comes to the question ofjamaica becoming a republic, people here are split and are quick to tell us how they truly feel. remove the queen. it's not going to be better. when the queen was there, when i was young, jamaica was better. yeah? so i don't see no way to remove the queen. none at all. we need to move on now. it's 60 years of independence, so we need to move on. no, i don't want one.

it really doesn't i make any difference. it does not. because what is the queen has done? the queen has done nothing for us since independence. i so it is here not there whether we j are a republic or because nothing| is going to change. the prime ministers are not doing nothing, the queen not doing nothing. so we don't know who to turn to more than god. the jamaican prime minister is determined to take his country in a new direction, drifting away from the british monarchy could take years. but he told me, now is the time. in our 60th year we have reached the point where we have to give very serious consideration to the form of our nation. the role of the royal family in caribbean countries is a divisive, often sore subject. when the duke and duchess of cambridge visited jamaica earlier this year, there were protests and repeated calls for slavery reparations.

and some politicians feel there's too much distance between the jamaican people and the royal family. jamaica certainly wants to be a republic. and...it�*s not clear that we still need to be a part of the realm. ordinaryjamaicans can't even get a visa to go to the united kingdom. but we still... in parliament, we pray for the health of the queen, and she is the head of state. butjamaicans can't go and visit their head of state. what also really matters is the country's future on the next generation. keep that coming back here. at an academy in kingston run by former international cricket star nikita miller, the royal family doesn't seem relevant any more. not much to say about them. i don't know. i know that jamaica used to be under slave by the queen. i do you care about the british royalfamily? mm...

not really. not really, not really. i wouldn't mind seeing what being a republic would bring us as a country. i mean, so i'm sure during that period when that conversation started, it would educate us as to why it is important to be a republic and the benefits and the pros and cons. jamaica celebrates 60 years of independence later this summer. but with the foundation set for parting away from the queen, even more independence could be on the horizon. adina campbell, bbc news, injamaica. well, it happened in barbados seven months ago, but if it were to happen here injamaica, the process wouldn't be as quick. it would be a long and illegal, lengthy legal process. government would have to agree, and of course the final say would be with the jamaican people,

held in a referendum. more than 40 years ago, the guerrillas were on the brink of extinction but now, thanks to a huge conservation effort, their numbers are going up. this week, the united nations are continuing talks in tenure about saving... —— talks in kenya. justin rowlett has been to find out more about this successful college. the ash project. this park is one of the last two places on earth where mountain gorillas still survive. we are just hacking our way through the forest because the gorillas go wherever they want, there are

no paths around here. he has seen something moving. there is one down there it's a gorilla. gorilla mumble. this is just incredible, you can hear the sound of gorillas all around us. you can't see most of them because the vegetation is so thick. there are baby gorillas in the trees. adults withjuvenile gorillas on the ground. it's incredible to be so close to one of our closest relatives on earth. low burblinig. and that is a gorilla fart. wow. the population is growing steadily, it is a dramatic turnaround. sir david attenborough feared

he might be seeing the last of their kind when he visited a mountain gorilla family in the �*70s. so how have the gorillas been saved? conservation charities say this ecotourism is a large part of the answer. tourism really does help wild animals if it is done right. when i first started out they were only about five lodges, now there are as many as 70. the lodges have created jobs, the ngos have created jobs, so there is lots of employment that has happened. but tourism alone is not enough. look how abruptly the tree cover ends here in uganda. the parks are big, but as the gorilla population grows... we are definitely seeing that gorilla families are more crowded, they are bumping into each other more, which unfortunately is often associated with aggression. we are seeing higher rates of infanticide, so infants can oftentimes be killed when these families come together.

and bigger parks cost more money. the un is asking countries to set aside a third of their land and sea area for conservation. the developing world says it needs $100 billion a year to help fund that. the hope is deadlock can be broken in nairobi this week. we have been told by scientists we only have this century and we only have one planet, there is no planet b. the mountain gorilla shows we can save species from the brink of extinction. the question now is whether the world is now ready to commit the money and resources to make it happen on a much bigger scale. justin rowlatt, bbc news, windy, impenetrable forest. and you can watch mountain gorrilas, a conservation success on bbc iplayer now. now it's time for a look at the weather with darren bett.

hello there, it really is a lovely day across many parts of the country. we saw our heat coming to an end over the weekend but it remained very hot. in other parts of europe, record temperatures continued in spain, france, and the heat pushed across to france —— switzerland, austria and that czech republic. today, temperatures in san sebastien and biarritz are 22 degrees. we also have heavy rain and thunderstorms. in the uk, this cloud moves into scotland annual bananas in the coming few days but ahead of that with the sunshine, there's temperatures are set to rise again, although we are not expecting 33 degrees to return. these are the temperatures we have got this afternoon, a very pleasant 22 or 23 degrees in southern parts of bingen and wales, and also for eastern areas of scotland. much of scotland, the pollen levels are high and they are very high today across northern

ireland and england and wales. we keep the sunshine into this evening for much of the country. overnight, we had this cloud coming down from the north—west into scotland and northern ireland and that for a while will bring some outbreaks of rain. clearerskies while will bring some outbreaks of rain. clearer skies for england and wales are so temperatures will dip away to around seven or 8 degrees, a few degrees warmer than that in the cloud for scotland and northern ireland. not a lot of rain left over for tuesday, ireland. not a lot of rain left over fortuesday, if ireland. not a lot of rain left over for tuesday, if you share with as we head into the afternoon, and there may be glimmers of sunshine. the best of the sunshine in the light winds will be across england and wales, away from the far north of england. temperatures will lift to 25 degrees in the midlands and south—east of england, probably nearer 17 or 18 for scotland and northern ireland. the breezes picking up on the north of scotland on wednesday, in more cloud into western scotland where they could be a few spots of rain, sunshine to eastern scotland giving the temperatures left again but continuing to warm up across many parts of inland and wales, up to

2728 degrees. as we head into thursday, temperatures could reach 30 degrees in the south—east of england but the little changes because by the time we get to friday, they will be a few more showers around and with pressure falling, we have rain coming in from the west, followed by a much cooler and showery weather over the weekend.

this is bbc news. i'm ben brown and these are the latest headlines. train passengers brace themselves for the biggest railway strikes in 30 years starting tomorrow. industrial action is likely to proceed and people should take sensible preparations now because there's no point giving false hope. that these strikes can be avoided. if there's a train then there a train. if not, no need to find another like to get work. | i support the rail strike because| not been listened to the decade. it's a great inconvenience to people's lives. in half an hour, we'll be answering all your questions on the strikes, why they're happening and what to do as a passenger.

and there's disruption in the skies too. thousands of passengers have their flights cancelled today after baggage problems at heathrow airport. it comes after easyjet announced plans to cut more flights over summer. a setback for french president emmanuel macron as he loses his majority in parliament after elections over the weekend. a report into grooming and child sexual exploitation in oldham between 2011 and 2014 finds there were serious failings in the handling of some cases by the council and police. afairy a fairy tale at the us open. a first major trophy for england's matt fitzpatrick who's won the us open. and...up close and personal — we have a special report from uganda on a successful conservation effort to increase the number of mountain gorillas he's on about closest relatives on earth.

gorrilla farts that i think was a gorilla for! that i think was a gorilla fart! good afternoon. britain is facing its biggest rail strike in 30 years this week, with a significant disruption to services across england, scotland and wales. last—minute talks between unions and rail bosses are continuing, but no breakthrough is currently in sight. tuesday 21stjune, and also on thursday 23rd and saturday 25th. nearly all major lines will be affected with many areas being cut off the network completely. distruption is also expected on non—strike days, too, with a special timetable published for the whole of this week. network rail is advising passengers to only travel by train

if absoultely necessary. ben king has this report. a final journey to work before the rail network starts to wind down ahead of a strike which will see just one train in five running tomorrow. last—ditch talks are still going on but there seems little prospect of avoiding the largest strike on the railways for a generation. i do think it is important that we send out a message early this week that industrial action is likely to proceed and that therefore people should take sensible preparations now because there is no point giving., if you like, that these strikes can be avoided. at this stage it is likely that they will proceed. timetables for strike days show half the network closed completely with no services at all to parts of england such as hull or bournemouth and chester and much of scotland and wales. even on non—strike days trains will be cancelled. the industry says don't travel if you can avoid it and if you must go, check yourjourney before you leave.

ijust have to get a lift from someone, which is annoying because i live in chester. but it is what it is. it'sjust the trains in general and everybody else wants more money. and this is the only way to do it. but they hit the wrong people, don't they? it's annoying but raise the wages! they need it. everything is going up at the minute. i that's it. yeah. the dispute is aboutjob losses, working conditions and pay. the cost of living expected to rise at an eye watering 11% issue, unions say that any less than that will leave its members worse off. but the industry says it has accepted £16 billion from the government to keep running during the pandemic and it needs to modernise and cut costs. we want to give people a payrise.

we're not saying we don't but that can only be achieved if we can reform and the quicker we sort out reform, that means that we can then look at how much funding is available. travellers here at london euston are braced for a week of travel chaos. but this strike may not be the last. the union has a mandate that runs until the end of november for further strikes and they've warned that if they don't get the deal that they want, they will have another vote that could take strike action into the new year. the unions say they want to negotiate directly with the government to avoid a strike but ministers say the unions should only negotiate with the rail industry. labour called for the government to get more involved. the government has it within its power to convene talks urgently, bring the industry and the trade unions together in order to find a resolution to this dispute and avoid industrial action and it is beyond belief, really, that the transport secretary hasn't even tried to do that. but with no agreement even on who should be talking to whom, a deal to end this damaging strike looks as far away as ever. ben king, bbc news. let's look at the potential impact on the strikes around the uk. we've

been speaking to our correspondence in glasgow, nottingham and london. we go nottingham station. this station is we go nottingham station. “i“i 3 station is operated by east midlands railway who have told me there will be a 70% reduction in their services across strike days. that means in practical terms they will be no trains travelling from the station, from the east of the country to places like lincoln or norwich. it means there will be a much shorter window during the day in which people can travel. the vinyl train will depart at 6:30pm. six hours earlier than usual. this is why i keep hearing the word annoying from passengers. there's lots of frustration from passengers about their travel plans. many people having to come home early from trips or having to leave early to avoid the strikes. one woman i was

speaking to earlier said she had to cancel her eurostar ticket to amsterdam and instead fly there today in order to avoid the strikes. many other passengers are diplomatic, however. they understand why the workers are going on strike. it doesn't mean that they like the disruption that is coming their way. the rail operator has said to seek alternative forms of transport on strike days and only travel by train if absolutely necessary.— if absolutely necessary. thank for that snapshot _ if absolutely necessary. thank for that snapshot there. _ if absolutely necessary. thank for that snapshot there. let's - if absolutely necessary. thank for that snapshot there. let's go i if absolutely necessary. thank for that snapshot there. let's go to l that snapshot there. let's go to scotland. they will be a limited service there as well. what's the picture there? i think scott rail were really badly affected potentially? i were really badly affected potentially?— were really badly affected otentiall ? ~' , ., ., potentially? i think the situation in scotland _ potentially? i think the situation in scotland might _ potentially? i think the situation in scotland might be _ potentially? i think the situation in scotland might be slightly i potentially? i think the situation i in scotland might be slightly worse than in the midlands because scotrail have said that 90% of their services are going to be cut on strike days. so they will be five

services going to stations like glasgow and edinburgh, bathgate in the central belt. towns like lanark, larkhall and hamilton down in the west near glasgow. that's an incredibly limited part of the country which has got this reduced service which will only infect run after 7:30am until round about 6:30pm. the rest of the country they will be no services, no scotrail services at all. so big stations like aberdeen and inverness will have no services on strike days. it would take them time to get back up and running in the days there are not strikes. scotrail is already dealing with another dispute with train drivers union. that's cut 700 services per day. there's the possibility that dispute might be resolved in the near future possibility that dispute might be resolved in the nearfuture but possibility that dispute might be resolved in the near future but then there's another dispute that

scotrail are involved with with rmt, aside from the one that is affecting network rail at the moment. this really the prospect in scotland, the potential at the moment for continuing rolling problems on the railways, on the rail network for the course of several weeks or maybe months in scotland. that's causing a lot of concern to hospitality and tourism. businesses who are looking forward to the peak time of the scottish summer holidays actually start earlier than they do then in the rest of the country. a lot of concern in scotland about the impact of this strike.— of this strike. thank you very much. let's no of this strike. thank you very much. let's go to — of this strike. thank you very much. let's go to euston _ of this strike. thank you very much. let's go to euston station _ of this strike. thank you very much. let's go to euston station in - let's go to euston station in london, one of the biggest in the country. what's the picture there? ben, people here have already begun changing their plans. in the last few minutes, i've spoken to a pensioner who had come from

birmingham. he said he actually came down earlierfor his birmingham. he said he actually came down earlier for his cancer treatment. he had to stay in a hotel and he's now going back up to birmingham. he was livid. he said this is like the 1970s. i've also spoken to another passenger who said that he is worried about getting to heathrow later this week. he says he's going to rent a car, an added expense for him there. but, equally, some passengers have said, look, this strike, they don't think it's going to impact them and they don't have a strong impact on them —— my opinion on it but how will it affect other passengers? tuesday, thursday and saturday there's going to be around 20% of services running because 40,000 rail workers are coming out to strike. this is of course a very busy week for britain. we know that young children and

people taking exams will be sitting them this week. as well as that, there a concert, and eltonjohn concert, a rolling stones concert and a cricket! as well. —— cricket test match. also, a summary festival so a lot of disruption is expected and then in places like blackpool, they won't be any services for passengers. pens answer to bournemouth will be impacted. lots there for many people to consider and the continuing message from the rail service providers is don't travel unless you have two. that's our correspondence _ travel unless you have two. that's our correspondence from - travel unless you have two. that's our correspondence from around i travel unless you have two. that's i our correspondence from around the country and the potential impact from those strikes. this going to be a statement from the rmt trade union at 3:30pm. so we will bring you that

is we get it. earlier, we heard from network rails chief spokesperson. he says they are trying to find a compromise is crucial for the railways. compromise is crucial for the railwa s. compromise is crucial for the railways-— compromise is crucial for the railwa s. ., ., railways. government have given a clear mandate _ railways. government have given a clear mandate to _ railways. government have given a clear mandate to negotiate - railways. government have given a clear mandate to negotiate with i railways. government have given a clear mandate to negotiate with a l clear mandate to negotiate with a clear— clear mandate to negotiate with a clear frame rate and we believe we have enough wiggle room with modernisation if the unions would compromise on that to put a decent enough _ compromise on that to put a decent enough payoff on the table which would _ enough payoff on the table which would be — enough payoff on the table which would be affordable on all sides. what _ would be affordable on all sides. what reforms would be needed even without the financial impact of coronavirus?— without the financial impact of coronavirus? , ., ., , , coronavirus? this fundamentally is about the entire _ coronavirus? this fundamentally is about the entire railway _ coronavirus? this fundamentally is about the entire railway system. i about the entire railway system. coronavirus has changed patterns on the railway— coronavirus has changed patterns on the railway forever. even now, we are only _ the railway forever. even now, we are only seeing 75% of passengers back _ are only seeing 75% of passengers back. about 2000 million pounds

shortfall — back. about 2000 million pounds shortfall. we have to modernise it for the _ shortfall. we have to modernise it for the future otherwise the railway isjust_ for the future otherwise the railway isjust going to go into terminal decline — isjust going to go into terminal decline. nobody wants that. that's why sibanda find compromise through this. why sibanda find compromise through this that— why sibanda find compromise through this that is— why sibanda find compromise through this. that is why it important. let's speak to maggie simpson — who's the director general of the rail freight group — the representative body for rail freight in the uk. we tend to focus on what all of this means the passengers on the nightmare they will be facing but what about frate? just moving goods around the country? is going to have around the country? is going to have a huge impact?— a huge impact? yes. it absolutely well and our _ a huge impact? yes. it absolutely well and our members _ a huge impact? yes. it absolutely well and our members are i a huge impact? yes. it absolutely| well and our members are working ridiculously hard to put in place contingency plans, running as many services _ contingency plans, running as many services as— contingency plans, running as many services as they can. they've been working _ services as they can. they've been working with colleagues but even so, we are _

working with colleagues but even so, we are expecting significant disruption across the network as a whole _ disruption across the network as a whole. ~ ., ,, ,, ., whole. what will the knock-on effects be _ whole. what will the knock-on effects be that _ whole. what will the knock-on effects be that disruption i whole. what will the knock-on effects be that disruption on i effects be that disruption on freight? because we already know there's a fragile supply chain. this shortages and so one caused by a whole range of factors, coronavirus amongst them and staff shortages and so on. this could make things even worse? , , ., , so on. this could make things even worse? , ,, , ., ~' so on. this could make things even worse? , y., , ., ,, ., worse? yes. everyone is working hard to net the worse? yes. everyone is working hard to get the best _ worse? yes. everyone is working hard to get the best possible _ worse? yes. everyone is working hard to get the best possible outcome. i worse? yes. everyone is working hard to get the best possible outcome. we j to get the best possible outcome. we are hoping _ to get the best possible outcome. we are hoping to run 60—70% of trains that we _ are hoping to run 60—70% of trains that we can — are hoping to run 60—70% of trains that we can normally run and people are putting _ that we can normally run and people are putting in provisions to try and fill that— are putting in provisions to try and fill that gap. on strike days it will be — fill that gap. on strike days it will be as— fill that gap. on strike days it will be as low as 20%. the flowing of supermarket products, power stations — of supermarket products, power stations and other critical blows but they— stations and other critical blows but they will be other issues in the building _ but they will be other issues in the building industry and that's coming on top _ building industry and that's coming on top of— building industry and that's coming on top of those pressures that

you've — on top of those pressures that you've already mentioned. i think one area — you've already mentioned. i think one area that we are really concerned about is the damage to confidence in customers because what we have _ confidence in customers because what we have been saying is lots of businesses saying they want to put more _ businesses saying they want to put more of— businesses saying they want to put more of their goods on rail because they want— more of their goods on rail because they want a — more of their goods on rail because they want a more reliable supply chain— they want a more reliable supply chain and — they want a more reliable supply chain and environmental performance and we _ chain and environmental performance and we are _ chain and environmental performance and we are worried about structural damage _ and we are worried about structural damage that these strikes could do to that _ damage that these strikes could do to that confidence, particularly if it continues beyond this week! if they it continues beyond this week! they move it continues beyond this week! if they move away from rail because they move away from rail because they lose confidence in it in a chance of moving goods around, what about rhodes? in chance of moving goods around, what about rhodes?— about rhodes? in some sectors, we move a lot — about rhodes? in some sectors, we move a lot from _ about rhodes? in some sectors, we move a lot from ports, _ about rhodes? in some sectors, we move a lot from ports, we - about rhodes? in some sectors, we move a lot from ports, we move i about rhodes? in some sectors, we| move a lot from ports, we move the those _ move a lot from ports, we move the those containers that land. so, if we fail— those containers that land. so, if we fail and — those containers that land. so, if we fail and people have to go back to roads _ we fail and people have to go back to roads then that's a real problem because _ to roads then that's a real problem because we — to roads then that's a real problem because we don't have the drivers and it— because we don't have the drivers and it adds — because we don't have the drivers and it adds cost and disruption to

supply— and it adds cost and disruption to supply chains and end customers and we are _ supply chains and end customers and we are all— supply chains and end customers and we are all desperate to avoid that. so what's — we are all desperate to avoid that. so what's your message to unions and management to sort this out? caught the strike _ management to sort this out? caught the strike. get round the table and negotiate — the strike. get round the table and negotiate a way forward so we can -et negotiate a way forward so we can get resolved as quickly as possible. the chances are it won't be resolved this week and they will be more and more strikes for many months to come potentially. more strikes for many months to come otentiall . . �* , more strikes for many months to come otentiall . ., �* , ., ., more strikes for many months to come otentiall. ., �*, ., ., . potentially. that's a real concern for my members _ potentially. that's a real concern for my members and _ potentially. that's a real concern for my members and customers| potentially. that's a real concern i for my members and customers and potentially. that's a real concern - for my members and customers and end consumers _ for my members and customers and end consumers who rely on our services so its— consumers who rely on our services so it's imperative that people redouble their efforts to find solutions as quickly as possible. maggie — solutions as quickly as possible. maggie simpson, good to talk to you. this afternoon we'll be discussing the upcoming strikes — why they're happening and what to do as a passenger this week. at 3.30 we'll be joined by andy roden, deputy editor of modern railways magazine.

if you have a question you'd like answering — get in touch via social media using the hashtag #bbcyourquestions — or email yourquestions@bbc.co.uk we are expecting to hear from rmt in the next few minutes. very important what they have to say. we will bring in that. and at 4:30pm wave got the transport secretary giving a statement in the house of commons about industrial action on the railway. you can stay up—to—date with all the latest developments on the rail strikes and everything else thatis the rail strikes and everything else that is happening at the usual website. easyjet say they'll make further cuts to flights this summer. the airline claims its to help manage problems like staff shortages at airports.

it insists customers will be given advance notice of flight cancellations. meanwhile, heathrow has asked airlines flying from two of its terminals to cut 10 percent of flights today. these pictures were taken at the airport over the weekend, following problems processing baggage. earlier we heard more about the disruption from our correspondent, matt graveling well i spoke to heathrow on the phone just a couple of hours ago and they told me that while there's a lot of talk about staff shortage, staff lost during the pandemic, they said this was a technical issue on friday at terminal two which led to bags not going to their rightful owner. as a result, the knock—on effect has caused a bit of a logjam so they've asked their carriers flying from the airports today to try reduce the number of flights they will be using in an attempt to

get this logjam of bags to the rightful people. they also told me that this will only impact fewer than 30 flights in total and about 5000 passengers in total today. tell us more 5000 passengers in total today. t2i.i. us more about what easyjet are saying that they are going to make more cuts to flight this summer? with seen what's happened with the trains but now we are talking about the skies as well, aren't we? this will be a problem throughout the summer because during the pandemic the industry did lose lots of members of staff and the problem is as restrictions have eased, lots of people want to go away but they don't have enough staff to do that. easyjet has been hit by this and has cancelled a number of flights but today they've said we are going to reduce our capacity over thejuly, august and september months down to 97% and that's what they were hoping

for and today they've actually announced it will be 90%. so a reduction there. they are calling this proactive consolidation to try and get ahead of themselves to consolidate passengers onto newer flights to get more flights in the air. the chief executive has said that the ongoing challenging environment is continuing to have an impact and coupled with airport caps, we are taking action. they hope to get passengers rebooked on flights within 24—hour is in hope that this is the best way. that flights within 24-hour is in hope that this is the best way. at least it's not a last-minute _ that this is the best way. at least| it's not a last-minute cancellation it's not a last—minute cancellation because we were hearing about people checking in and then suddenly hearing their flight then cancel. yes. that doesn't say everybody and

of course there will be a lot of disappointed people. what i will add is that easyjet have said to us that this is a problem with staffing but there's also a knock—on effect. they were airports around the world struggling for staff because of the pandemic. one of those is gatwick and another is amsterdam. these airports have said they will reduce the number of flights going out in the number of flights going out in the summer months. they normally have 900 flights per day onjuly and august. they've capped this now. 850 in july and august. they've capped this now. 850 injuly and 820 in august. easyjet have said they have less staff will need to reduce their number of flights. but airports are also capping the number of flights and they can't get many more planes in they can't get many more planes in the air. justan they can't get many more planes in the air. just an update on the rail strikes. we have just heard from the rmt union that they are going to go ahead. that's after last—ditch talks fail to resolve the dispute over

pay, jobs and conditions. so the rmt union hasjust said pay, jobs and conditions. so the rmt union has just said that the strikes are going ahead. they were more talks. the slimmest of possibilities that the strikes might be averted but those last—minute talks have failed to provide any sort of breakthrough. the rmt saying these would definitely go ahead and to remind you that taking place tomorrow, 21st ofjune, thursday the 23rd and saturday the 25th ofjune. let's just turn our attention to the aftermath of the elections in france. france's president emmanuel macron has experienced a major political setback, losing his parliamentary majority in the country's elections. his party, "ensemble", is still the biggest in the national assembly — holding 245 seats. but it suffered the loss of dozens more. it means president macron will now

be forced to negotiate with opposition parties in order to get his policies through. the election saw major advances for a new left—wing alliance and for marine le pen's party of the far—right. our paris correspondent lucy williamson reports. alexandre kouchner is a french political analyst. toa to a lot of outsiders this is very strange because mr macron has one very recently a second term as president but now the voters had said well, we're not going to give you majority in parliament. it’s you majority in parliament. it's stranue you majority in parliament. it's strange for _ you majority in parliament. it's strange for us. _ you majority in parliament. it�*s strange for us. it's the first time it's happened in the republic. it's the first time we've ever had a minority—owned and what happened is that the voting of the presidential elections, what the voters have said is that they dislike marine le pen more than they dislike him. but he doesn't have popular support so the

voters saw these elections to say, look, we elected you but not your programme. so now he is in a very weakened position. he went from being the first president to be elected with a majority to the first president to ever lose that majority. president to ever lose that majority-— president to ever lose that ma'ori . , ., , . majority. these are unprecedented times. in majority. these are unprecedented times- in a — majority. these are unprecedented times- in a way _ majority. these are unprecedented times. in a way that's _ majority. these are unprecedented times. in a way that's quite - majority. these are unprecedented times. in a way that's quite often i times. in a way that's quite often what happens in the united states. where you have a democrat president but he doesn't have control of congress so it makes life very difficult for him but as you say, this hasn't really happened before in france. ., , ., , ., in france. no. the institutions are meant to prevent _ in france. no. the institutions are meant to prevent that _ in france. no. the institutions are meant to prevent that but - in france. no. the institutions are meant to prevent that but these i in france. no. the institutions are i meant to prevent that but these are not on par with the current political spectrum. they were designed the general charles de gaulle. so now we have very political sources. we now have a

president who embodied this versatility he cannot do that any more. he still has the majority though but not the absolute majority meaning he is going to have to get votes for every single piece of legislation he wishes to pass and that's not meant to be in easy task. how will he do it? what's his best bet? which is the best party to push measures through parliament? iie measures through parliament? he still measures through parliament? h2 still has one chance. he has a natural ally in parliament and that's the conservative group who still have about 60 votes so he could try and sort of make alliances with each and every vote. the problem is that this group had said they wouldn't but they probably will but the other problem is that no piece of legislation is now going to go without a tough challenge and that's a very tough landscape for

him. he had an overwhelming majority de hundred and 14 votes during his presidential campaign. that de hundred and 14 votes during his presidential campaign.— de hundred and 14 votes during his presidential campaign. that was very hel ful to presidential campaign. that was very helpful to talk _ presidential campaign. that was very helpful to talk to _ presidential campaign. that was very helpful to talk to you. _ presidential campaign. that was very helpful to talk to you. thank - presidential campaign. that was very helpful to talk to you. thank you i helpful to talk to you. thank you for your analysis of the french parliamentary elections where they leave president macron. some breaking news coming in. the parents of 12—year—old archie battersby who is at the centre of that life—support treatment dispute have been given the go—ahead to take the case to the court of appeal. that's the very latest on that. they've launched an appeal, the parents, and relatives of 12—year—old archie after a high courtjudge ruled that archie was in fact dead. doctors treating him at the royal london hospital in whitechapel have said that the 12—year—old is brain stem dead but the parents who have now been given the go—ahead to take that

case to the court of appeal. social media is the main source of news for older children according to a study commissioned by the bbc. with tiktok being the most popular platform. the poll of two thousand 11 to 16 year olds suggests they trust politicians less than social media influencers to tell them the truth about current affairs. i'm joined now byjournalist qasa alom who has been working with the bbc on the data. many people won't be surprised by these findings but what on a mean? the findings are that the survey was done with more than 2000 young people across the uk and the headline effectively is that they would rather turn to social media for their news, 35% than tv. 27% turn to tv. this is the thing that's

most worrying. nearly half, 47% found that social media sites to be the most trustworthy witches —— which is a really interesting statistic. 50 which is a really interesting statistic. , ., ., which is a really interesting statistic. ., ., , statistic. so they are not only trustin: statistic. so they are not only trusting social _ statistic. so they are not only trusting social media - statistic. so they are not only trusting social media but i statistic. so they are not only i trusting social media but trusting what they read. how much news is on tiktok? kind of associate that with dancing, don't you?— tiktok? kind of associate that with dancing, don't you? yes, dancing and other things- — dancing, don't you? yes, dancing and other things- i— dancing, don't you? yes, dancing and other things. i follow— dancing, don't you? yes, dancing and other things. i follow the _ dancing, don't you? yes, dancing and other things. i follow the ukraine i other things. ifollow the ukraine crisis through tiktok, watching people displaced and seen people rehousing in italy. i've also seen chefs create a whole week's worth of food for £5 address the cost of living crisis. but there's a lot out

there which is quite worrying and thatis there which is quite worrying and that is part of the issue as well. let me put it like this for you, young people would trust social media influence is more than politicians right now. that's why they are turning onto places such as tiktok. they are many trusted news sites with people giving balanced, impartial news but it equally worrying when you're out on tiktok and you see someone who has loads of followers so you think they are credible telling you that this to be a crash of some sort of the economy then they need to send all their money to them and you will have young people believe it. i've got one story where the daughter of a friend actually saw some news about climate change which is something that a lot of young people are very anxious about, predicting that london is going to be flooded very, very soon in the next two or three days. that caused a lot of concern amongst her friends. days. that caused a lot of concern amongst herfriends. there days. that caused a lot of concern amongst her friends. there something else i need to lead onto. for a lot

of young people, they still do turn to their parents, 66% still turned on their parents for a second source, just to see if this news is correct not. whether young people know it not, impartiality still really does matter. they may not look for something that is impartial but they want to find someone that is trustworthy, therefore whilst places like tiktok are being turned to its actually the bbc with about 73% who are considered the most trustworthy placement comes to where you get your news from. if trustworthy placement comes to where you get your news from.— you get your news from. if parents turn to -- — you get your news from. if parents turn to -- if— you get your news from. if parents turn to -- if you — you get your news from. if parents turn to -- if you are _ you get your news from. if parents turn to -- if you are inviting i you get your news from. if parents turn to -- if you are inviting me! i turn to —— if you are inviting me! good to see you. let's hear live now from the rmt union who are speaking to the media it has confirmed the strikes this

week are going ahead. the talks are broken down and there is no resolution without any result so the strikes are going ahead and that's obviously bad news for tens of thousands of rail passengers up and down the country. for the freight industry as well who we were just talking to. let's get a look at your weather forecast now. here talking to. let's get a look at your weatherforecast now. here is darren. a very pleasant 22 or 23 degrees across southern parts of england and wales and may be eastern areas of england and wales, too, but very high pollen levels. tonight, this cloud will head into scotland and northern ireland and it will bring rain for a while. we keep their

skies over england and wales, temperatures will dip away 27 or 8 degrees. not too much rain here during tomorrow, just a few showers but equally some glimpses of sunshine. more cloud in the far north of england but we keep the light winds and sunny skies, and temperatures are continuing to climb on tuesday, 25 degrees in the midlands and the south—east, nearer 17 or 18 for scotland and northern ireland. were going to go straight to the rmt union with the latest in the rail strikes. —— we are going. come on in. first of all, i want to say thanks to the public, we have had tremendous support coming in

from all of the country, and indeed internationally, from ordinary working people, trade unionists and their organisations, and i was shown at the rally on saturday when the rmt received a tremendous ovation from the rest of the organised labour movement in this country. moving on down to the next phase of this campaign. we have been in discussions with network rail and the for several weeks now and indeed for nearly 18 months on the issues in this dispute. and despite what grant shapps said over the weekend when he was fabricating news items that we had walked out of talks, we have never walked out of any talks at any stage in this dispute, and we remain in the room until the meeting is properly adjourned, and to be fair to the companies, we have kept up fair to the companies, we have kept up cordial relationships with the employers all the way through this, but what we have come to understand is that the dead hand of this tory

government is all over this dispute. and the fingerprints of grant shapps and the dna of rishi sunak are all over the problems on the railway, andindeed over the problems on the railway, and indeed the problems in this society. and until they allow these employers to negotiate freely, i can't see that we are going to get a settlement to the issues that are in front of us. so, we have now had offers from network rail and from the train operating companies, and its negative committee in this building has considered those offers and they have rejected both of them. their network rail one was rejected on friday and the train operating company one which was only put to us today has been rejected this afternoon. both sets of proposals are unacceptable and it is now confirmed that the strike action planned for this week will go ahead on london underground and our network rail, and with a train operating companies. the source of this problem is the tory decision to

slash £4 billion of funding from our railway network. they have cut £2 billion from the national railway and they have cut to be in pounds from tfl, and that is hobbling this industry, and it is forcing the companies to implement transport austerity and massive cuts to our system, as we speak. they have now proposed, the rail companies, pay rates that are massively under the relevant rates of inflation. they do not address the cost of living crisis, and they have prevented a settlement to this dispute. at the behest of the government, the companies are also seeking to implement thousands ofjob cuts across the network and have failed to give any guarantee against compulsory redundancies. as a result of this transport austerity, the employing companies have taken the following decisions. to attack the railway pension scheme and the transport for london scheme,

dilating benefits, making staff work longer, up to 65 years of age, and making them poorer in retirement while paying increased contributions, they have decided to cut thousands of jobs contributions, they have decided to cut thousands ofjobs across the rail network without that guarantee of no compulsory redundancies. they are cutting safety inspections by maintenance staff on the infrastructure by up to 50% in order to facilitate the mass redundancies, and in maintenance loan that will be 3000 track workers who are out there repairing and maintaining the infrastructure and looking up the public. theirjobs are for the chop. they are attacking the terms and conditions and working practices in a form of internal fire and rehire, including lowering existing salaries and increasing the working week. these attacks mean that no trade union in this country could accept that agenda. and in many ways it is similar to what p&o have put before

us, either you take diluted terms or you leave the industry. they even want to go so far as to restart the dispute on the role and responsibility of the guard, and they are going to put massive cuts to the catering services on our railway. so we are going backwards many years, in fact, to the cuts agenda that we have had under thatcher and under british rail when that was seriously underfunded over decades. they are telling further and have told us today and last week that they intend to close every single ticket office in britain, regardless of the access ability needs of the public and the diversity of the passengers that use the railway system. they are cutting real pay for our members and their spending power through what are now lengthy pay freezes, for nearly three years for many of our members,

and the offers that we have our way below the retail price index which is the relevant measure of inflation. faced with such an aggressive agenda of cuts to jobs, conditions, paid, and pensions, the rmt has no choice but to defend our members industrially and to stop this race to the bottom. the stripes on —— network rail, the train operators on london underground will go ahead, and we again call on our members to stand firm, support the action, mount the pickets and demonstrate their willingness to fight for workplace justice. the demonstrate their willingness to fight for workplacejustice. the rmt supports the campaign for a square dealfor all working supports the campaign for a square deal for all working people supports the campaign for a square dealfor all working people in the face of the cost of living crisis, and our current campaign is a part of that more general campaign that means that public services have to be properly funded and all workers paid properly with good conditions. we remain available for discussions

during the action and after the action, and between the strike drags, if the companies want to engage with us. —— the strike dates. but we are firmly of the belief that the only way to settle this dispute is for grant shapps and the government to allow these companies to negotiate and let the parties reach a reasonable agreement that will end the disruption of the service, will secure jobs, will end the disruption of the service, will securejobs, and allow a decent transport system to be developed in this country. thanks very much for listening.— developed in this country. thanks very much for listening. when the whole country _ very much for listening. when the whole country is _ very much for listening. when the whole country is suffering, i very much for listening. when the whole country is suffering, what i whole country is suffering, what makes your representatives so special? makes your representatives so secial? ~ ., ., makes your representatives so secial? ., ., ,, special? we are not special, the whole country — special? we are not special, the whole country is _ special? we are not special, the whole country is suffering, i special? we are not special, the whole country is suffering, and l special? we are not special, the l whole country is suffering, and we have got a membership in a trade median —— trade union that is prepared to fight for what we have got. what the rest of the country suffers from is the lack of power, the lack of the ability to organise, and a lack of the wherewithal to take on these employers that are continually driving down wages and

making the working class in this country poorer, year on year on year, while the rich get richer and dividends are accelerated and the stock market is reasonably healthy. we've got full employment... we've got full employment and falling wages, and that's the situation that has never happened before and it cannot be tolerated by working people or by the trade union movement. people or by the trade union movement-— people or by the trade union movement. �* , ., , ., movement. but the people that will suffer from the _ movement. but the people that will suffer from the lack _ movement. but the people that will suffer from the lack of _ movement. but the people that will suffer from the lack of such - suffer from the lack of such transport, what is the message to them? mi; transport, what is the message to them? y , , transport, what is the message to them? g , , ., them? my messages we regret that, we don't want that — them? my messages we regret that, we don't want that to _ them? my messages we regret that, we don't want that to happen _ them? my messages we regret that, we don't want that to happen but _ them? my messages we regret that, we don't want that to happen but this - don't want that to happen but this dispute has been manufactured by grant shapps and government policy. there was no need for them to cut the funding of the railway scheme and there is no need for them to campaign actively forjob cuts, pay counts, and safety cuts, that is what they are doing.— counts, and safety cuts, that is what they are doing. network rail sa the what they are doing. network rail say the railway — what they are doing. network rail say the railway finances _ what they are doing. network rail say the railway finances are - what they are doing. network rail. say the railway finances are already a mess, do not think that by taking strike action like this, you risk taking worse —— making it worse? they are not a mess. the railway has

been subsidised at least is the first world war and it probably always will be subsidised. what we are seeing now is a recovery in rail, passages were up to 90% the week before last, and it is on course to go back to pre—covid levels, but what we are seeing here is a smoke screen that smoke screen caused by covid, and many players are taking this opportunity, they are taking this opportunity, they are using this temporary phenomenon, covid, and the temporary phenomena of people being told not to go to work, as a smoke screen to get rid of decent conditions, decent pay rates, and decent agreements. now, everybody wants our cities, towns, villages to recover. the way we do that and one of the most important aspects of that is by having a decent public transport system that can be relied on, a safe and accessible. cutting staff, services, and funding is the opposite to that, and funding is the opposite to that, and nobody in our community should tolerate that from this government of billionaires who tell everyone else they have got to tighten their

belts while they are raking it in. are you supported by the labour leadership? fism are you supported by the labour leadership?— are you supported by the labour leadershi? �* , , _ leadership? am i supported by the labour leadership? _ leadership? am i supported by the labour leadership? well, - leadership? am i supported by the labour leadership? well, they - leadership? am i supported by the labour leadership? well, they do | labour leadership? well, they do ship has got a problem, they are against workers being exploited and they are against the tory government, they have got to find a way to connect with working class people in working class communities so they can get their boat back. they have got to find their message, they have got to find some policies that get back to where working people are. we sell many working people are. we sell many working people out on the seat —— streets on saturday, i think there will be more of that, and i think they will be a wave of industrial action, a wave of ballots, and a wave of campaigning. keir starmer have and his team have got to find a way of how to connect with that rather than standing to one side waiting for somebody to tell them what to do. the pay proposals are a 2% down payment with a possible 81% more,

but we have to accept that full agenda ofjob cuts, changes to working practices and of course we have to accept that we haven't had a pay rise for our members for three years and this is more of a whimper than a bang. there is nothing in this that we could compromise on and i don't think any trade union in this country could accept what is on the table today. our campaign will run for as long as it needs to run until we get an acceptable settlement. when we get enough of that is tenable, we will put that to our members in a referendum but what is on the table now, given the mandate that we have got, where i did 9% of our people voted on going on strike, this does not address any of the model —— multitude issues in this campaign. -- 89% of multitude issues in this campaign. —— 89% of our people voted going on strike. i think it will take as long as the government needs to take to unshackle the companies to negotiate with us properly. inaudible.. i

think it will, yes.— think it will, yes. inaudible.. nobody has — think it will, yes. inaudible.. nobody has a _ think it will, yes. inaudible.. nobody has a 1296 _ think it will, yes. inaudible.. nobody has a 12% pay - think it will, yes. inaudible.. nobody has a 1296 pay rise, . think it will, yes. inaudible.. l nobody has a 1296 pay rise, most nobody has a 12% pay rise, most people have not had a pay rise for three years and many other public sector workers as well as private sector workers as well as private sector workers as well as private sector workers have not had proper pay rise since osborne and the other geezer, cameron, came to power. the idea that there is a wage price spiral, that the accelerating price of wages is causing prices to go up, is a nonsense. what is causing prices to go up is profiteering. profits in this country are not down, what is down i wages, the only people paying the price of covid are the working class at this country. so, there hasn't been a wage crisis spiral and there is no need to think they will be won by people catching up they will be won by people catching up with wages. prices aren't catching up with wages, wages are

trying to catch up with prices. and nobody has had 12% and nobody has asked for 12%, by the way. nobody has had 1296 and nobody has asked for 1296, by the way. question inaudible-- — asked for 1296, by the way. question inaudible.. we — asked for 1296, by the way. question inaudible.. we deal _ asked for 1296, by the way. question inaudible.. we deal with _ asked for 1296, by the way. question inaudible.. we deal with working i inaudible.. we deal with working -ractice inaudible.. we deal with working practice changes _ inaudible.. we deal with working practice changes all _ inaudible.. we deal with working practice changes all the _ inaudible.. we deal with working practice changes all the time, - practice changes all the time, whether a bus company, oil company, maritime company, or railway company. we engage on a permanent basis with our members. what we have got here is an unreasonable agenda of mass pay counts, mass job cuts, and slashing of our terms and conditions that have been negotiated over a long period. those are all good conditions, the problem of our conditions is that everybody else's worse, and the problem with some of our pay rates is everybody else's are worse. so what we need to do is level up. i think what someone else came up with that quote, and what we are being full is to do is suppress

working people to deliver government policy and profits for their friends in the city. and that is not acceptable. a, in the city. and that is not acceptable.— in the city. and that is not accetable. ., ., ., , ~ acceptable. a lot of taxpayers think it is unfair to _ acceptable. a lot of taxpayers think it is unfair to be _ acceptable. a lot of taxpayers think it is unfair to be funding _ acceptable. a lot of taxpayers think it is unfair to be funding pay - it is unfair to be funding pay increases of seven, 8%, when they are struggling with the cost of living themselves.— are struggling with the cost of living themselves. what you say to them? they _ living themselves. what you say to them? they are — living themselves. what you say to them? they are also _ living themselves. what you say to them? they are also suffering - living themselves. what you say to them? they are also suffering and | them? they are also suffering and many of them are working in the public sector and facing pay cuts. everybody who works in health, education, care, councilservices, education, care, council services, have education, care, councilservices, have all seen pay suppression, and the only way to break that cycle is is to get pay deals that break it. all money in circulation comes from all of us, so somebody is paying for every service or product that you buy, but if we have continuous price suppression, you will have continual hyper profit, and there has to be a balance in the society between profit and income. we aren't getting enough income and they are getting too much profit. who is profiting?

last year, the railway industry, the rolling stock companies, network rail subcontractors on the train operating companies made 500 has a direct profit. that is a fact, it is in their books. —— the first group, one of the major shareholders made £108 million out of rail alone. they have been subject to a takeover bid of 1.2 billion. go ahead, one of the other companies, are also subject to a takeover bid. so, somebody thinks they are going to make profits out of rail because private equity companies from abroad are coming here to buy these companies while they are managing directors are earning millions. the top earner in network rail earned £i.2 earning millions. the top earner in network rail earned £1.2 million in salary during covid. his chief financial operator executive earned nearly half a million pad each year during covid. all of these executives that we are dealing with are on salaries in excess of

£350,000 a year. somebody is making money out of the railways, just not our members. 50 money out of the railways, 'ust not memberefi money out of the railways, 'ust not our members. , , ., , ., our members. so they should be a win for tax? i would _ our members. so they should be a win for tax? i would like _ our members. so they should be a win for tax? i would like a _ our members. so they should be a win for tax? i would like a windfall- our members. so they should be a win for tax? i would like a windfall tax - for tax? i would like a windfall tax to be a win- _ for tax? i would like a windfall tax to be a win. our— for tax? i would like a windfall tax to be a win. our members - for tax? i would like a windfall tax| to be a win. our members through their wages. to be a win. our members through theirwages. somebody to be a win. our members through their wages. somebody has to pay for it. well, we all pay for it, will pay for it through their fares and free regeneration of the rail on behalf of the environment rather than for private profit. rail fares have gone up in order to pay for profits. profits since privatisation has been something around 12 billion. so, all of that profit has been extracted from our railway system. if we had used that to invest, we could have lowered the fares, we could have improved services, and we could have had a square dealfor services, and we could have had a square deal for railway workers. it is the extraction of profit from the railway system which is largely through the taxpayers that is the cause of one of our problems. so is surely the — cause of one of our problems. so is

surely the answer _ cause of one of our problems. so is surely the answer was _ cause of one of our problems. so is surely the answer was attacked. itl surely the answer was attacked. it is not the only answer, we want the answer to our problems at this time. —— the answer is a tax. answer to our problems at this time. -- the answer is a tax.— -- the answer is a tax. losing their 'obs, -- the answer is a tax. losing their jobs. having _ -- the answer is a tax. losing their jobs, having their _ -- the answer is a tax. losing their jobs, having their conditions - -- the answer is a tax. losing their jobs, having their conditions ripped up jobs, having their conditions ripped up and not getting a pale deal. when we had moved on from that one, we can look at government policy. we don't set out with a project saying it is going to last this long and if we haven't got a deal, it will be wrapped up. it will go on until someone offers us a deal we can accept, we can put it to our members, and they vote for it in a referendum. anyone else? are we finished? good. thank you very much. that was mick lynch, general secretary of the rmt union. the strikes are going ahead on the railways, tomorrow, thursday, and saturday. he said there had been pay offers from network rail and the pay offers from network rail and the pay of —— companies, both of which had been unacceptable. the offer of 2%

down payment, it wasn't enough, he also said that grant shapps, the transport secretary, has been interfering, that he needed to unshackle the companies so that they could negotiate freely. clearly, the strikes are going ahead, and in fact, let —— mick lynch was saying that there may be what he called a wave of industrial action, notjust on the railways but in other industries as well. now, on bbc news, we are going to talk more about the rail strikes that start tomorrow across parts of the uk because hear your questions to answer your questions, we've got the deputy editor of modern railways magazine and has been waiting patiently while we were hearing from lynch, but you will appreciate, andy, ed is important to hear what he had to say. let's rattle through

these. fred is asking, what pale scale increases are the rmt asking for and what threats are the rmt attempting to eliminate or mitigate? i suspect the rmt would be recently happy with 7% for its members. aslef has recommended acceptance a 5% in scotland for its members so we aren't actually even talked about matching inflation here in real terms, it would be a pay so i think we need to but the figures in perspective. the rmt headline, i thought, of the concerns of its members terms and conditions, and there is another one that they are in light of grant shapps comments last thursday when he said the railways are in a fight for survival, well, with a £2 billion

cut in investment, that is a little choice calculation for the railways who are struggling for survival, john wants to know what do rail workers earn at the moment and how long do they have to train? it is a safety critical job a long do they have to train? it is a safety criticaljob a lot of the time, some roles have to train for a year, 18 months, before they go near a live railway by themselves, others of course a much more straightforward. there are some high paid jobs on the railway, no question, that but they are also a lot more, maybe the majority ofjobs that pay between 18 and £25,000, so i would suggest the majority of rail workers are not nearly as well—paid as some of the headlines we had seen in recent weeks might need you to believe. ., , �* , ., ,, ., in recent weeks might need you to believe. ., , m ., , believe. poulsen bishopsgate says is the train companies _ believe. poulsen bishopsgate says is the train companies are _ believe. poulsen bishopsgate says is the train companies are privately - the train companies are privately owned, why other trade unions looking to the government to source pay from taxpayers monies and not

the train company bosses? this pay from taxpayers monies and not the train company bosses?- pay from taxpayers monies and not the train company bosses? this is a reall , the train company bosses? this is a really. really _ the train company bosses? this is a really, really important _ the train company bosses? this is a really, really important question . really, really important question because right now, the train company wants to change an engine on a diesel train, they have to get approval from diesel train, they have to get approvalfrom government to diesel train, they have to get approval from government to spend that money. before the pandemic, rail franchises, that money. before the pandemic, railfranchises, they that money. before the pandemic, rail franchises, they took the fares, they had a1% rail franchises, they took the fares, they had a i% increase rail franchises, they took the fares, they had a1% increase in inflationary bears every year, they could negotiate directly. it is simply not credible to suggest that when the government is exerting so much control over expenditure on the railways that it does not want control over pay settlements, and thatis control over pay settlements, and that is why i think the union is appealing directly to government, and that is why i think ultimately the strikes have been called because 18 months of negotiations have led nowhere because the train companies simply don't have the power and the freedom to negotiate an offer that might work. freedom to negotiate an offer that might work-— freedom to negotiate an offer that miaht work. ., , ., ,, ' might work. elizabeth and sheffield is askin: might work. elizabeth and sheffield is asking you _ might work. elizabeth and sheffield is asking you to _ might work. elizabeth and sheffield is asking you to compare _ might work. elizabeth and sheffield is asking you to compare our- is asking you to compare our situation with other european countries. which government subsidises public transport and by how much? we don't need a complete

list, just a rough idea. why do our welfare costs so much more than other country?— welfare costs so much more than other country? broadly speaking, a lot of governments _ other country? broadly speaking, a lot of governments in _ other country? broadly speaking, a lot of governments in europe - other country? broadly speaking, a lot of governments in europe view| lot of governments in europe view rail as being a public good, that delivers lower traffic volumes, cleaner air, that moves a lot of freight around as well. and so there is a lot more public investment in the services and part of that investment is in keeping fares are low. again, for the greater good. in the uk, the equation has been very different in the government in recent years has wanted passengers to pay more of the cost of running railways, and that is why fares are so high, in comparison with some parts of europe services are not so good. parts of europe services are not so aood. , parts of europe services are not so mad. , ., ., parts of europe services are not so aood. , . ., ~ ., ., good. doubt want to know over the last five years _ good. doubt want to know over the last five years or _ good. doubt want to know over the last five years or so, _ good. doubt want to know over the last five years or so, did _ good. doubt want to know over the last five years or so, did railway - last five years or so, did railway workers get any pay rises and if so, what was a comparison to the rise in the cost of living? we are talking now that potential inflation of 11%,

mick lynch was said just saying they have been offered a down payment of 2% as a pay rise, there is clearly a big gap. 2% as a pay rise, there is clearly a big gap, isn't there? 296 as a pay rise, there is clearly a big gap, isn't there?— 296 as a pay rise, there is clearly a big gap, isn't there? there is, and auain, it big gap, isn't there? there is, and again. it is — big gap, isn't there? there is, and again. it is a _ big gap, isn't there? there is, and again, it is a patchy _ big gap, isn't there? there is, and again, it is a patchy picture - again, it is a patchy picture because of the fragmented nature of the railway means you are negotiating with a lot of companies. broadly speaking, railstaff, broadly speaking, rail staff, certainly broadly speaking, railstaff, certainly until the pandemic, were generally getting pay rises in line with inflation, two or 3%, and in normal circumstances, they really wouldn't be much argument with staff getting a pay rise matching inflation, but it is the fact that inflation, but it is the fact that inflation is so high and the difference needed to make that up is so great that it is surprising here, it is unprecedented, certainly in my lifetime. i it is unprecedented, certainly in my lifetime. ., �* ~ ., it is unprecedented, certainly in my lifetime. ~' ., it is unprecedented, certainly in my lifetime. ~ ., ~ ., lifetime. i don't know if you know the answer _ lifetime. i don't know if you know the answer to _ lifetime. i don't know if you know the answer to this _ lifetime. i don't know if you know the answer to this because - lifetime. i don't know if you know| the answer to this because clearly lifetime. i don't know if you know. the answer to this because clearly a lot of people watching you now really want the answer to the question of how they are going to get from a to b n this week which you may well not know the answer to.

kahlon says are there bus replacements? he needs to go to the 02 replacements? he needs to go to the o2 concert tomorrow. i replacements? he needs to go to the 02 concert tomorrow.— 02 concert tomorrow. i would be lookin: 02 concert tomorrow. i would be looking at _ 02 concert tomorrow. i would be looking at an _ 02 concert tomorrow. i would be looking at an alternative - 02 concert tomorrow. i would be looking at an alternative way - 02 concert tomorrow. i would be looking at an alternative way to l 02 concert tomorrow. i would be i looking at an alternative way to get there because there simply aren't enough buses in the country to match the capacity that the railway has. large parts of the country will have no rail services at all, down here in cornwall the lines will be shut. services will start later than normal, they will finish earlier than normal, and they won't be a lot of trains running, so it really is a case of having to try and make alternative arrangements, if you possibly can. alternative arrangements, if you possibly can-— alternative arrangements, if you ossibl can. , ., ., possibly can. and last question from me, mick possibly can. and last question from me. mick lynch _ possibly can. and last question from me, mick lynch from _ possibly can. and last question from me, mick lynch from the _ possibly can. and last question from me, mick lynch from the rmt, - possibly can. and last question from | me, mick lynch from the rmt, there, he sounded pretty defiant and he sounded like they are going to be notjust sounded like they are going to be not just these few days of strike action coming up this week but many more into the summer, is that how you see it? it more into the summer, is that how you see it?— you see it? it could certainly go that way- _ you see it? it could certainly go that way- the — you see it? it could certainly go that way. the blunt _ you see it? it could certainly go that way. the blunt reality - you see it? it could certainly go that way. the blunt reality is i you see it? it could certainly go i that way. the blunt reality is that this has been in the govan's hands, to give that train companies and

network rail the freedom to negotiate a deal, they could have done that a long time ago, that freedom hasn't as far as we hear been granted. and i suspect the strikes have been called out at the strong element of frustration just to try and get the government to the table to work out what can be done. it is not true to say that it is up to the train companies and network rail, not with the government pulling the strings. and there are real concerns. i don't think i have been as concerned about the future of the railway as i am right now because of the government is saying to the railways are fighting for its life, fighting for survival, well, thatis life, fighting for survival, well, that is the government making the choice that it is. and i really fear for the future of the rail network, notjust for the future of the rail network, not just about the strike now for the future of the rail network, notjust about the strike now but in the longer term and in the wider sense. �* , the longer term and in the wider sense. , _ the longer term and in the wider sense. , ,., the longer term and in the wider sense. , sense. andy, pessimistic, but thank ou ve sense. andy, pessimistic, but thank you very much _ sense. andy, pessimistic, but thank you very much indeed _ sense. andy, pessimistic, but thank you very much indeed for _ sense. andy, pessimistic, but thank you very much indeed for your- you very much indeed for your answers to the questions from our viewers.

hello, there. it is sunny and pleasantly warm today, temperatures won't be lifting for many of us in the next few days but these are the temperatures we've got today. very pleasant 22 or 23 degrees across southern parts of england and wales and maybe it in areas of scotland. very high pollen levels today. we end with sunshine this evening but overnight, this cloud from the north—west west for heading to scotland and northern ireland and for a while it will bring some rain. we keep clearer skies for england and wales, light winds, temperatures would it away to seven or 8 degrees, milder underneath the cloud for and northern ireland. not too much rain here during tomorrow, just a few showers but equally some glimpses of sunshine. more cloud in the far north of england but we keep the light winds and sunny skies across the rest of england and wales, and temperatures likely —— continuing to climb on tuesday, 25 degrees across the midlands and i7 climb on tuesday, 25 degrees across the midlands and 17 or 18 in scotland and northern ireland.

this is bbc news. i'm ben brown and these are the latest headlines. the biggest railway strikes in 30 years will go ahead starting tomorrow after last ditch talks failed to resolve a dispute over pay, jobs and conditions. we again call on our members to stand firm, support the action, mount the pickets and demonstrate their willingness to fight for workplace justice. their willingness to fight for workplacejustice. irate their willingness to fight for workplace justice.- their willingness to fight for worklace'ustice. �* . . workplace 'ustice. we can't change the workplace justice. we can't change the timetable _ workplace justice. we can't change the timetable we _ workplace justice. we can't change the timetable we are _ workplace justice. we can't change the timetable we are beyond - workplace justice. we can't change the timetable we are beyond the l the timetable we are beyond the point _ the timetable we are beyond the point of— the timetable we are beyond the point of no return. so check before you trevel— point of no return. so check before you travel and if possible don't trevel— you travel and if possible don't travel by— you travel and if possible don't travel by train tomorrow. and we'll take you live to the commons where the transport secretary, grant shapps, will give a statement about the industrial action.

and there's disruption in the skies too. thousands of passengers have their flights cancelled today after baggage problems at heathrow airport. it comes after easyjet announced plans to cut more flights over summer. a setback for french president emmanuel macron as he loses his majority in parliament after elections over the weekend. the parents of i2—year—old archie battersbee are given the go—ahead to take their case to the appeal court as they battle to keep him alive despite doctors insisting he is brain dead. good afternoon. britain is facing its biggest rail strike in 30 years this week with a significant disruption

to services across england, scotland and wales. last—minute talks between unions and rail bosses failed to make any breakthrough. the strike action is taking place tomorrow, tuesday 21stjune, and also on thursday 23rd and saturday 25th. nearly all major lines will be affected with many areas being cut off the network completely. distruption is also expected on non—strike days, too, with a special timetable published for the whole of this week. network rail is advising passengers to only travel by train if absoultely necessary. in the past half an hour, the general secretary of the rmt union has addressed the media placing the blame for the strikes squarely at the government's door. they've now proposed the rail companies pay rates that are massively under the rate of inflation. they do not address the

cost of living crisis and they have prevented a settlement of this dispute. at the behest of the government, the companies are also seeking to implement thousands of job cuts across the network and have failed to give any guarantee regarding compulsory redundancies. as a result of this austerity, the companies have taken the following decisions. to attack the railway pension scheme, and the transport for london scheme, dilating benefits, making staff work longer, up benefits, making staff work longer, up to 65 years of age and making them poor in retirement while increasing contributions. they decided to cut thousands ofjobs across the rail network without that guarantee of no compulsory redundancies. in order to facilitate the mass redundancies and in

maintenance alone that will be 3000 track workers who are out there repairing and maintaining the infrastructure and looking after the public. theirjobs are for the chop! they are attacking the terms conditions and working practices of the fire and rehire, lowering existing salaries and increasing the working week. these attacks mean no trade union in the country can accept that agenda. it's similar to what p&o have put before us. either you take deleted terms or you leave the industry. they even want to go so far as to restart the dispute on the role and responsibility of the guard. and they are going to put massive cuts to the catering services on our railway so we are going backwards many years in fact to the cuts agenda that we have had under thatcher and under british rail when that was seriously

underfunded over decades. they are going further and have told us today and last week that they intend to close every single ticket office in britain, regardless of the accessibility needs of the public and the diversity of the passengers that use the railway system. they are cutting real pay for our members and spending power through now lengthy pay freezes for nearly three years for many of our members and the offers that we have had our way below the retail price index which is the relevant measure of inflation for us. faced with such an aggressive agenda to cuts of pay, pensions and staff, we have decided to stop this race to the bottom. that is lynch of the rmt. we also heard from kevin groves

network rail�*s chief spokesperson — said trying to find a compromise and a way through the negotiations was crucial for the future of the railway tomorrow's service will be severely impacted by the rmt trade union. only 20% of services will be able to run, so about 4000 the normal number of trains. the times and operations of trains. the times and operations of those will be seriously limited from about 7:30am to 6:30pm and that's having yourjourney completed by that time. so if you are going to edinburgh via king's cross you need to be on the two o'clock train. that's the last service. what is the key to unlocking more money? its modernisation. we are locked in working practices that date back to the 19505 — 605. some crazy things that you are in the modern working environment would not expect whereas a colleague sitting next to you, evenif

a colleague sitting next to you, even if you are qualified and competent, you can't even cover qualified colleagues. we need to bring in modernisation which would save hundreds of millions of pounds and that could be transferred into savings and a better payoff we could put on the table for our colleagues and staff and that's where the juxtaposition is and where we are trying to find compromise and a the government have given us a clear mandate to negotiate, with a clear framework and we believe we have enough wiggle room with modernisation, if unions were compromise on that to generate enough self funded savings to put a decent payoff on the table which would be acceptable and affordable for all sides. would be acceptable and affordable for all sides-— would be acceptable and affordable for all sides. ~ , ., , for all sides. when be needed anyway even without — for all sides. when be needed anyway even without coronavirus _ for all sides. when be needed anyway even without coronavirus impact? - even without coronavirus impact? this is about the future of the

entire railway system. cove it coronavirus is changed working travel patterns. where only sing 75% of passengers back. —— we are only seeing. we have to modernise and make the railway more efficient modernise it the future. otherwise it will go into terminal decline and nobody wants that. that's why trying to find a compromise on the way through this is so important. —— and a way. the transport secretary, grant shapps says that government interventions in talks would not help in fact, he said a minister what situation will passengers face there? there's been a lot of worry among passengers of been speaking to and a

lot of frustration. the word that keeps coming up is annoying. there's a lot of frustration around what this means for their travel plans. i've spoken to people today who have had to come home early or who have had to come home early or who have had to come home early or who have had to leave early to get on their trip. 70% of services are being cut. this is across the east midlands railway services let's find out what's happening across the network. let's join our guest. what's going to happen on tuesday and saturday and thursday? we happen on tuesday and saturday and thursda ? ~ ., :: , thursday? we are running 7096 fewer chains.

thursday? we are running 7096 fewer chains- there — thursday? we are running 7096 fewer chains. there are _ thursday? we are running 7096 fewer chains. there are a _ thursday? we are running 7096 fewer chains. there are a number— thursday? we are running 7096 fewer chains. there are a number of- chains. there are a number of regional— chains. there are a number of regional line severely affected or close _ regional line severely affected or close together. the impact on customers on those days, when not running _ customers on those days, when not running anything east of here, nothing — running anything east of here, nothing to lincoln, skegness or norwich — nothing to lincoln, skegness or norwich. ., ., ., ., , norwich. there are a lot of people usina norwich. there are a lot of people using those _ norwich. there are a lot of people using those trains _ norwich. there are a lot of people using those trains for _ norwich. there are a lot of people using those trains for work. - norwich. there are a lot of people using those trains for work. maya | using those trains for work. maya getting a sense from passengers about how much disruption this is going to cause an?— about how much disruption this is going to cause an? there's certainly some frustration _ going to cause an? there's certainly some frustration and _ going to cause an? there's certainly some frustration and disruption - going to cause an? there's certainly some frustration and disruption to l some frustration and disruption to normal— some frustration and disruption to normal passengerjourneys. what we have seen _ normal passengerjourneys. what we have seen is — normal passengerjourneys. what we have seen is that many can make or turn to— have seen is that many can make or turn to arrangements. lots of people have got _ turn to arrangements. lots of people have got used to working from home in the _ have got used to working from home in the last— have got used to working from home in the last couple of years. strikes by nature — in the last couple of years. strikes by nature are designed to be disruptive and we ask passengers to make _ disruptive and we ask passengers to make a _ disruptive and we ask passengers to make a arrangements for those days. you can— make a arrangements for those days. you can working in the industry how bad are these? this you can working in the industry how bad are these?— bad are these? this is the first time it's happened _ bad are these? this is the first time it's happened for - bad are these? this is the first time it's happened for a - bad are these? this is the first time it's happened for a good l bad are these? this is the first - time it's happened for a good number of decades— time it's happened for a good number of decades in this country. a lot of train _ of decades in this country. a lot of train companies have had isolated

strike _ train companies have had isolated strike action on their network but nationally— strike action on their network but nationally coordinated ones are really _ nationally coordinated ones are really unprecedented. we are doing what we _ really unprecedented. we are doing what we can to help customers understand the impact on them but it's absolutely unprecedented. advice — it's absolutely unprecedented. advice to passengers, what should they be doing on those strike days and for the rest of the week? it’s and for the rest of the week? it's im ortant and for the rest of the week? it's important to understand what the strikes _ important to understand what the strikes mean for customers on in individual— strikes mean for customers on in individual level. some of our lines are operating relatively normally. perhaps _ are operating relatively normally. perhaps shorter opening times but otherwise. — perhaps shorter opening times but otherwise, i'd strongly urge customers if you are planning to travel— customers if you are planning to travel tomorrow, customers if you are planning to traveltomorrow, go customers if you are planning to travel tomorrow, go on our websites and understand what the impact is on you. whether you can travel earlier or later— you. whether you can travel earlier or later and — you. whether you can travel earlier or later and just understand your personal— or later and just understand your personal journey. or later and just understand your personaljourney._ or later and just understand your personaljourney. today has been a relatively normal— personaljourney. today has been a relatively normal day _ personaljourney. today has been a relatively normal day in _ personaljourney. today has been a relatively normal day in terms - personaljourney. today has been a relatively normal day in terms of. relatively normal day in terms of journeys here at nottingham railway station but from tomorrow, one big thing that stuck out for me was the window in which can travel will be much shorter. early trains at 7:30am

only up until 6:30pm, five hours earlier than usual.— only up until 6:30pm, five hours earlier than usual. well, meanwhile the transport _ earlier than usual. well, meanwhile the transport secretary _ earlier than usual. well, meanwhile the transport secretary has - earlier than usual. well, meanwhile the transport secretary has said - earlier than usual. well, meanwhilej the transport secretary has said the government intervention in the talks would not help. he said a minister stepping in would be in his words, hindrance and it is a discussion for the unions and employers. melt hindrance and it is a discussion for the unions and employers. well as far as i know— the unions and employers. well as far as i know the _ the unions and employers. well as far as i know the days _ the unions and employers. well as far as i know the days of _ the unions and employers. well as i far as i know the days of sandwiches at number— far as i know the days of sandwiches at number ten far as i know the days of sandwiches at numberten and far as i know the days of sandwiches at number ten and harold wilson, no ministers _ at number ten and harold wilson, no ministers have ever been involved directly— ministers have ever been involved directly in — ministers have ever been involved directly in these kinds of strike negotiations. i imagine if it was keir starmer, it would be beerand curry. _ keir starmer, it would be beerand curry. or— keir starmer, it would be beerand curry, or something. there are 20 different— curry, or something. there are 20 different areas of reform required. there _ different areas of reform required. there is— different areas of reform required. there is no— different areas of reform required. there is no way that a minister could _ there is no way that a minister could step _ there is no way that a minister could step into that discussion and be of— could step into that discussion and be of any— could step into that discussion and be of any help. in fact, he would be a hindrance — be of any help. in fact, he would be a hindrance-— a hindrance. under the contracts ou've a hindrance. under the contracts you've brought _ a hindrance. under the contracts you've brought in, _ a hindrance. under the contracts you've brought in, and _ a hindrance. under the contracts| you've brought in, and companies a hindrance. under the contracts - you've brought in, and companies are coming under, that one that was issued last week the western rail,

you set the parameters and direct everything, including for pay awards, multi—pay awards, that's your power. to awards, multi-pay awards, that's your power-— your power. to be clear, any government _ your power. to be clear, any government running - your power. to be clear, any government running any - your power. to be clear, any - government running any service, whether— government running any service, whether its— government running any service, whether its nhs, teaching or the railways. — whether its nhs, teaching or the railways, of course has to set the overall— railways, of course has to set the overall remic but even mick lynch who is— overall remic but even mick lynch who is the — overall remic but even mick lynch who is the boss of rmt who just last month— who is the boss of rmt who just last month who — who is the boss of rmt who just last month who said he would never sit down _ month who said he would never sit down and — month who said he would never sit down and talk to, as you describe, a tory government, realises and knows and has _ tory government, realises and knows and has said — tory government, realises and knows and has said in the past that those discussions — and has said in the past that those discussions had to take place with the employer can give them what they need _ the employer can give them what they need this _ the employer can give them what they need this is _ the employer can give them what they need. this is in return for modernising the railway. we have a series— modernising the railway. we have a series of— modernising the railway. we have a series of spanish practices which haven't— series of spanish practices which haven't changed for many years which make _ haven't changed for many years which make it _ haven't changed for many years which make it difficult to run an efficient— make it difficult to run an efficient railway passengers. that needs _ efficient railway passengers. that needs to — efficient railway passengers. that needs to be changed. but i need employers know what that... whether ou like it employers know what that. .. whether you like it or— employers know what that... whether you like it or not, _ employers know what that... whether you like it or not, by _ employers know what that... whether you like it or not, by the _ employers know what that... whether you like it or not, by the end - employers know what that... whether you like it or not, by the end of - you like it or not, by the end of this week, people will have been disrupted in their travel, they are

going to be saying why isn't the government sorting this out? it’s government sorting this out? it's not 'ust government sorting this out? it's not just up _ government sorting this out? it's notjust up to government sorting this out? it's not just up to the employers. it's absolutely— not just up to the employers. it's absolutely a question for the employers and unions to sit down. explained — employers and unions to sit down. explained why. different reforms are required _ explained why. different reforms are required which are detailed and technical— required which are detailed and technical to get rid of some of the spanish _ technical to get rid of some of the spanish practices which exist in the railwaym _ spanish practices which exist in the railwa , . �* spanish practices which exist in the railwa , ., �* ., ., railway... they aren't going to care about that- — railway... they aren't going to care about that. they _ railway... they aren't going to care about that. they are _ railway... they aren't going to care about that. they are looking - railway... they aren't going to care about that. they are looking more | about that. they are looking more strikes. they will say the government should be stepping in. when should you step in with i think the unions _ when should you step in with i think the unions pay labour and labour won't _ the unions pay labour and labour won't condemn these strikes but somehow— won't condemn these strikes but somehow if ministers walked into this negotiations it was somehow help _ this negotiations it was somehow help. these are deeply technical strikes _ help. these are deeply technical strikes which have reforms required which _ strikes which have reforms required which are _ strikes which have reforms required which are way beyond anything the minister— which are way beyond anything the minister would be able to be involved _ minister would be able to be involved in discussing for that we need _ involved in discussing for that we need the — involved in discussing for that we need the unions who have themselves led in _ need the unions who have themselves led in the _ need the unions who have themselves led in the past that discussions

between — led in the past that discussions between them and employers. the head of the union— between them and employers. the head of the union said he would never negotiate — of the union said he would never negotiate with government so these discussions are going on and that's what _ discussions are going on and that's what they— discussions are going on and that's what they are doing. but discussions are going on and that's what they are doing.— discussions are going on and that's what they are doing. but don't have a leual what they are doing. but don't have a legal responsibility _ what they are doing. but don't have a legal responsibility to _ what they are doing. but don't have a legal responsibility to resolve - a legal responsibility to resolve these disputes? you should have a plan where you can resolve it! it’s plan where you can resolve it! it's our plan where you can resolve it! it's your responsibility in the end? the unions _ your responsibility in the end? the unions went on strike and balloted before _ unions went on strike and balloted before even getting into the pay discussion on the false pretence that they— discussion on the false pretence that they wouldn't be a pay rise and if they— that they wouldn't be a pay rise and if they went on strike. that was always — if they went on strike. that was always completely untrue because the pay freeze _ always completely untrue because the pay freeze which was because of coronavirus had already ended so they went — coronavirus had already ended so they went out on strike under false pretence _ they went out on strike under false pretence led by the union bosses. the only— pretence led by the union bosses. the only people who can resolve this are the _ the only people who can resolve this are the unions themselves, working with the _ are the unions themselves, working with the employers and i would never cut across _ with the employers and i would never cut across those discussions. it wouldn't — cut across those discussions. it wouldn't help. it would hinder, in fact, _ wouldn't help. it would hinder, in fact, because i would undermine the work the _

fact, because i would undermine the work the employers and unions are doing _ work the employers and unions are doing we — work the employers and unions are doinu. ~ . work the employers and unions are doinu. ~ , ., work the employers and unions are doint, . , ., ., work the employers and unions are doinu. ~ , ., ., ., doing. we will be hearing more from the transport _ doing. we will be hearing more from the transport secretary _ doing. we will be hearing more from the transport secretary in _ doing. we will be hearing more from the transport secretary in the - doing. we will be hearing more from the transport secretary in the house of commons. he will be giving a statement on the floor of the house of commons on that strike action. we will bring that to you live. it's coming up at 4:30pm. full coverage of that live here on bbc news. easyjet say they'll make further cuts to flights this summer. the airline claims it's to help manage problems like staff shortages at airports. it insists customers will be given advance notice of flight cancellations. meanwhile, heathrow has asked airlines flying from two of its terminals to cut 10 percent of flights today. these pictures were taken at the airport over the weekend, following problems processing baggage. we heard more about the disruption from our correspondent, matt graveling.

well, i spoke to heathrow on the phone just a couple of hours ago and they told me that while there's a lot of talk about staff shortage, staff lost during the pandemic, they said this was a technical issue on friday at terminal two which led to bags not going to their rightful owner. as a result, the knock—on effect has caused a bit of a logjam so they've asked their carriers flying from the airports today to try reduce the number of flights they will be using in an attempt to get this logjam of bags to the rightful people. they also told me that this will only impact fewer than 30 flights in total and about 5000 passengers in total today. tell us more about what easyjet are saying that they are going to make more cuts to flight this summer? we've seen what's happened

with the trains but now we are talking about the skies as well, aren't we? this has been a problem throughout the summer because during the pandemic the industry did lose lots of members of staff and the problem is as restrictions have eased, lots of people want to go away but they don't have enough staff to do that. easyjet has been hit by this and has cancelled a number of flights throught the last couple of months but today they've said we are going to reduce our capacity over thejuly, august and september months down to 97% and that's what they were hoping for and today they've actually announced it will be 90%. so a reduction there. they are calling this proactive consolidation to try and get ahead of themselves to try and consolidate passengers onto newer flights to get passengers onto fewer flights to get more flights in the air. the chief executive has said that the ongoing challenging environment is continuing

to have an impact and coupled with airport caps, we are taking action. we are taking preemptive action. they hope to get passengers rebooked on flights within 24—hour is in hope on alternative flights they hope to get passengers rebooked on alternative flights within 24 hours in hope that this is the best way. at least it's not a last—minute cancellation because we were hearing about people checking in and then suddenly hearing their hearing their flight was then cancelled. yes. that doesn't say everybody and of course there will be a lot of disappointed people. what i will add is that easyjet have said to us that this is a problem with staffing but there's also a knock—on effect. there are airports around the world struggling for staff because of the pandemic. one of those is gatwick and another is amsterdam. these airports have said they will reduce the number of flights going out in the summer months. they normally have 900 flights per day onjuly and august.

they've capped this now. 850 injuly and 820 in august. easyjet have said they have less staff will need less staff and will need to reduce their number of flights. but airports are also capping the number of flights and they can't get many more planes in the air. let's go to the house of commons now. cause disruption and will cause damage to millions of people. and claiming that others are somehow preventing an agreement to their negotiation. but i do not think the public will be hoodwinked, the families who will be unable to visit. .. families who will be unable to visit... they laugh at the families will be unable to visit their relations, music fans hoping to go to glastonbury, the students unable to glastonbury, the students unable to get to their exams, businesses just beginning to recover from

covid, and people who will miss out on their medical treatment because of the strikes. that is what they are supporting. they know that this week's rail strikes, created by the donors, organised by the unions, is the full responsibility of the unions. —— created by the unions. of course, dinning to get thejuniors to agree a way forward and colossal strikes, because in discussions like this, it is always the employer and the unions who need to get together and negotiate, and in the case of theirs, that is a train operating company, network rail, union representatives. we are not the employer, and we are not undermining the process. i hear the calls of the labour leadership opposite saying we should somehow get involved, perhaps invite the greens for beer and

sandwiches to discuss the situation —— invite the unions. we all know what the leader of the opposition thinks that beer and curry is aim meeting, but we will leave it to the right people to negotiate with the unions. indeed, the unions are in daily talks with the employers. or edney stay were actually walked out an hour ago to go and hold a press conference saying that the strikes would be on us or it least they were until. we will minimise the disruption throughout the entire network. we are working with the civil contingencies secretariat, the government's emergency planning team to keep critical supply chains open where possible. operators will keep as many passenger trains as possible running, although with much disruption to the timetable, that is going to be difficult on strike days. it is estimated at around 20%

of client services will operate, focus on key workers, the main population centres and critical freight routes. there will be mass disruption and we advise passengers to avoid cutting unless absolutely necessary, which of course, for many, it will be. the national rail inquiries website will be kept updated with the latest travel information to ensure passengers can make informed decisions about their travel. passengers are strongly advised to check before they travel and look for alternative means of transportation if theirjourney is affected, including on the days between the strikes. we are looking at a variety of different options for the railways, in order to maintain services and made disruption into the medium and longer term. we can no longer tolerate a position where rail workers exercising their right to strike can do it without any regard for how the rights of others are affected. nurses and teachers and

other working people who rely on the railway must be able to travel. so minimum service legislation is just one part of that. minimum service levels are a government manifesto commitment and will require train operators to run a base number of services even in the event of future strike action. it is a system which works well in other countries including belgium and france, and so will be bringing any legislation to protect the travelling public if agreement can be reached when major disruption as with the strikes this week is expected. the rhetoric we have from the union leaders and the opposition benches over the weekend seems to be focused on widening the division rather than bridging the 93p- division rather than bridging the gap. the whole point of the railway reforms, based on the williams review, which engaged in the unions very extensively, is to unite and

modernise the industry. just as we cannot reform the railways, with absolute technology, we cannot do it by claims to obsolete working practices either. for example, leisure travel at weekends is a huge growth potential at the moment. after covid, people are travelling at the weekend is more than before. but most of the railway, under an agreement dating back to 1919, sunday working is voluntary, so the industry cannot do whatever now stands, or other businesses and organisations do add service their customers, instead they have to appeal for people to come to work and sometimes that is simply unavailable, as happened when large football matches like the euro finals were owned, 170 trains cancelled. the industry needs to change, union claims this is a strike about a pay freeze, but this is factually incorrect. we are not

imposing a pay freeze. the whole point of these reforms is to build a sustainable growing railway where every rail worker receives a decent annual pay rise. but let me be clear, modernisation and reform to work, we have to have unions who are prepared to modernise. otherwise there can be no deal. this strike today isn't about pain, it is about outdated unions opposing progress, progress that will secure the railway�*s future, and the strike tomato in a bid to stop that reform, they are critical to the network's future as well, they are going to come if these reforms are not carried out, threatened the very jobs for people who are striking now, because they were not allowed railway to operate properly and a track that customers. the railway is any fight for its life, notjust competing against other forms of

public and private transport, but also competing against teams and zoom and other forms of remote working. many commuters who see years ago had no alternative but to travel by train, today have other options, including not to travel at all. rail has lost a fifth of its passengers. rail has lost a fifth of its revenue. since a tartan pandemic, the government has committed £16 billion of emergency taxpayers' support —— since the start. it is £600 for every single household in this country so that not a single real worker lost their job. £16 billion to keep trains running, ensure that network rail and dft contractor train companies were not furloughed. now, as we recover, and people start to travel again, the industry needs to grow

its revenue. it needs to attract back passengers. and make the reforms necessary to compete, and the very last thing the railway needs,is the very last thing the railway needs, is alienating passengers and freight customers with a long and damaging strike. so my message to the workforce is straightforward. your union bosses have got you striking under false pretenses. your union bosses have got you striking underfalse pretenses. and rather than protecting yourjobs, rather than protecting your jobs, they rather than protecting yourjobs, they are actually endangering them and the railway�*s future. we have a platform for change and what —— what the greens to work with the gilbert to bring a brighterfuture to our railways —— want the juniors to work with the government. we do not 11 that strikes every time someone suggest a change, strike should be a last resort, not the first resort. it was to customers choosing rail,

putjobs it was to customers choosing rail, put jobs at it was to customers choosing rail, putjobs at risk, because misery across the country, hit businesses trying to recover from covid, across the country, hit businesses trying to recoverfrom covid, heard railway workers, so let's stop dividing the railway industry and lets start working for a brighter future. i lets start working for a brighter future. ., .., lets start working for a brighter future. ., ,, ., ., future. i now call the shadow secretary _ future. i now call the shadow secretary of _ future. i now call the shadow secretary of state. _ future. i now call the shadow secretary of state. no - future. i now call the shadow secretary of state. no one i future. i now call the shadow. secretary of state. no one out future. i now call the shadow - secretary of state. no one out in the country _ secretary of state. no one out in the country once _ secretary of state. no one out in the country once these _ secretary of state. no one out in the country once these strikes i secretary of state. no one out in the country once these strikes to secretary of state. no one out in i the country once these strikes to go ahead. but as i have repeatedly said, even at this 11th hour, there can —— they can still be avoided. it requires ministers to step up and show leadership. get employers and unions around a table and addressed a very serious issues on pay and cuts to safety and maintenance staff behind this dispute. the entire country is about to be ground to a halt but instead of intervening to try and stop it, the secretary of state is washing his hands of any

responsibility. on the evil of the biggest rail dispute in a generation, taking place on his watch, he has still not lifted a finger to resolve it. not one meeting, no talks, no discussions, only media interviews and a petition to the labour party. this is a grave dereliction of duty, and should these strikes go ahead tomorrow they will represent a catastrophic failure of leadership. ministers 08 to all those impacted by the serious disruption to get around the table for last—ditch talks, to sort it out antivert this disruption. if you will not listen to me, mr speaker... can disruption. if you will not listen to me, mr speaker...— disruption. if you will not listen to me, mr speaker... can you either no to me, mr speaker... can you either go outside — to me, mr speaker... can you either go outside or—

to me, mr speaker... can you either go outside or be _ to me, mr speaker... can you either go outside or be quiet? _ to me, mr speaker... can you either go outside or be quiet? if _ to me, mr speaker... can you either go outside or be quiet? if you - to me, mr speaker... can you either go outside or be quiet? if you will. go outside or be quiet? if you will not listen to _ go outside or be quiet? if you will not listen to me _ go outside or be quiet? if you will not listen to me he _ go outside or be quiet? if you will not listen to me he should - go outside or be quiet? if you will not listen to me he should at - go outside or be quiet? if you will| not listen to me he should at least listen to his own colleagues because of the honourable memberfor rossendale and darwen. his own former parliamentary aide. he said yesterday, i can tell you, the only way out of the dispute is via negotiation. i would call on all parties, including the government, to get around the table, because this is going to have a huge negative impact on people's lives. his own mp5 and the public know this week, it was revealed that not only has he been boycotting the talks, he has tied the hands of those at the table. he and his department failed to give the train operating companies a party to these talks any mandate to negotiate whatsoever. one source close to negotiations said without a mandate

from government, we cannot even address the pay question. today, the rail delivery group confirmed they hadn't even begun those discussions. that is the reality, mr speaker. these talks are a sham because ministers have set them up to fail. it is for the government to settle this pursuit —— this dispute, they are integral to these negotiations, they cannot be resolved unless he is at the table. but it is becoming clearer by the day, ministers would rather provide this dispute than lift a finger to resolve it. the same transport secretary that just a few short weeks ago was feigning outrage over the disgraceful behaviour of p&o and who is now adopting their playbook, replacing skilled, safety critical staff with agency workers cannot and must not

be an option. so, what exactly has changed between the secretary of state calling on the public to boycott indo and now that he is suggesting that their behaviour should be legalised. —— boycott piano. tomorrow, we will see unprecedented disruption. we have been clear we do not want the strikes to happen. where we are in government we are doing ourjob. in labour run wales, a dry by strain staff has been avoided. —— a dry by train staff. employers and unions have come together to manage change. stash strike. whether it is today, tomorrow or next week, the only way this dispute will be resolved is with a resolution on pay and job security. the secretary of state owes it to the hundreds of thousands of workers who depend on our

railways and the tens of thousands of workers employed on them to find that deal. because those rail workers are not the enemy. they are people who showed real bravery during the pandemic to keep our country going, who showed solidarity to make sure other workers to kept going into work. some lost colleagues and friends as a result. they are the very same people the prime minister promised a high wage economy to a year ago before presiding over the biggest fall in living standards since records began. there is still time for the secretary of state to do the right thing, the brave thing, and show responsibility. patients, schoolchildren, low—paid workers, the entire country needs a resolution, and they will not forgive this government if they do not step in and resolve it. even now, at this late hour, i urged him,

get around the table and do your job. get around the table and do your 'ob. ,, . ., , ., ,, ., job. secretary of state. order. secretary _ job. secretary of state. order. secretary of — job. secretary of state. order. secretary of state. _ job. secretary of state. order. secretary of state. madam - job. secretary of state. order. - secretary of state. madam deputy seaker, secretary of state. madam deputy speaker. that _ secretary of state. madam deputy speaker, that was _ secretary of state. madam deputy speaker, that was a _ secretary of state. madam deputy speaker, that was a lot _ secretary of state. madam deputy speaker, that was a lot of - secretary of state. madam deputy speaker, that was a lot of words l secretary of state. madam deputy| speaker, that was a lot of words to avoid using three words — i condemned the strikes. i remind the house,... it is for words. she can practice them if she likes. i condemned the strikes. but she? i remind the house the honourable lady opposite is a former union official. she will know better than most, therefore, that negotiations are always held between the employers and the unions. as she calls on the government to get the parties around the table. they are around, they were around the table, madam deputy speaker. the honourable gentleman is right, they are not now, because the union just walked out to throw cash

call a press conference. she is wrong when she says these strikes are about pay, safety, and jobs cuts. pay, the unions wrongly told their work there would be no pay rise, there will be a pay rise because the pay freeze is coming to an end, so that was untrue. safety, it is unsafe to have people work —— walking down the track looking at the lions in order to check their condition when it can be done by trains which can take 70,000 pictures a minute and drones which can look at the lines of a head. safety is about updating these outdated working practices, and if she cared about safety, she would care about modernisation. and job cuts, she will know that there has already been a call for voluntary job cuts, in fact 5000 plus people came forward for that, 2700 have been accepted. this is about ensuring we have a railway fit for the post—covid world, and it is

therefore crazy that the rmt jumped therefore crazy that the rmt jumped the gun, and before talks were even given a chance to get anywhere, they launched into strikes. the calls for government to be more involved are a desperate attempt to deflect from the fact that the labour party, who themselves, let it be put on the record, have received a quarter of £1 million from the rmt union, and thatis £1 million from the rmt union, and that is nothing, £100 million from unions of the last ten years, are here today, as ever, failing to condemn strikes. strikes which will hurt ordinary people, strikes which will hurt kids trying to do their gcses and a—levels, strikes who will hurt people trying to get hospital appointments which were delayed during covid, and strikes which will even see veterans miss armed forces celebrations this week. there is no excuse for the honourable lady and her front bench team sitting on the

fence. i can almost feel her pain as she resists saying the four words, i condemned the strikes.— she resists saying the four words, i condemned the strikes. chairman of the select committee. _ condemned the strikes. chairman of the select committee. order! - the select committee. order! chairman— the select committee. order! chairman of the select committee, hugh— chairman of the select committee, hugh merriman.— chairman of the select committee, hugh merriman. thank you, madam deu hugh merriman. thank you, madam deputy speaker. — hugh merriman. thank you, madam deputy speaker. i— hugh merriman. thank you, madam deputy speaker, i do _ hugh merriman. thank you, madam deputy speaker, i do find _ hugh merriman. thank you, madam deputy speaker, i do find it - deputy speaker, i do find it somewhat bizarre in extreme for the secretary of state to claim the strikes are going ahead for not being in the room when these talks were going on... they are about technical intricate reforms. when the rmt said they do not negotiate with a conservative government. he does need to waste his time responding to that, can i ask you about railfreight. responding to that, can i ask you about rail freight. 30% of everything that comes in of the ships goes to the rest of country by rail freight, ships goes to the rest of country by railfreight, this ships goes to the rest of country by rail freight, this will impact everyone, notjust passengers on rail. what are we doing to preserve our railfreight routes?

rail. what are we doing to preserve our rail freight routes? mr; our rail freight routes? my honourable _ our rail freight routes? my honourable friend is absolutely right about the cause of the strike and walking out while the strikes are still ongoing this afternoon, whilst the talks are still ongoing, thatis whilst the talks are still ongoing, that is absolutely bizarre, while trying to claim they should be more talks. with regards to rail disruption, this creates a major problem for railfreight disruption, this creates a major problem for rail freight which actually had been doing pretty well, because more of the freight was shifting to rails post—covid, about 9% of the total overall. we are now working as closely as possible with colleagues at network rail, in terms of designing the strike and post strike day timetables to make sure that much of that freight can travel as possible. but i won't mislead him, it will be very difficult to achieve that anyone who cares about our supply chains in this country should be against these unnecessary and unwarranted strikes. gaoin should be against these unnecessary and unwarranted strikes.— and unwarranted strikes. gavin new lens. and unwarranted strikes. gavin new lens- thank — and unwarranted strikes. gavin new lens. thank you _ and unwarranted strikes. gavin new lens. thank you very _ and unwarranted strikes. gavin new lens. thank you very much. - and unwarranted strikes. gavin new lens. thank you very much. what i and unwarranted strikes. gavin new

lens. thank you very much. what a | lens. thank you very much. what a pile of nonsense. they glee with which the secretary of state spoke on thursday and again today rather tells the story. he spoke of the support to the rail industry and the fact that no one has lost their jobs. if only we had seen that same support promised to the aviation industry, we wouldn't be seeing the scenes up airports across this land. the minister in response to the unacceptable behaviour of p&o in replacing staff with agency staff called for the company to be boycotted and now he is asking for the same thing for rail staff. scott rail, with the encouragement of the scottish government, has negotiated a settlement with drivers to get pay of —— services up and running. despite this, servers will still be disrupted, because of the strike action that the uk governor has

stoked. evolving network rail powers to scotland is the only way to protect scotland. despite claiming the union are solely responsible for these strikes, we now know that the government have prevented meaningful negotiations. with inflation heading over 10%, negotiations. with inflation heading over10%, how negotiations. with inflation heading over 10%, how can he manage to explain or defend preventing negotiations on wage increases unless stoking an industrial dispute to force through anti—union laws is the government an. does the secretary of state share my concern for the welfare of the cottages conservatives —— the scottish conservatives? they said the snp government must sort this get —— problem out. the transport person said for the scottish government to get involved and get around the table. that is the difference in approach we get from the scottish

conservatives depending on which, they are addressing. does the secretary of state think the scottish... j secretary of state think the scottish. . ._ secretary of state think the scottish... ., , , , ., scottish... i will address the point about "to — scottish... i will address the point about p&o because _ scottish... i will address the point about p&o because the _ scottish... i will address the point| about p&o because the honourable lady also raised the point. i am surprised the honourable gentleman and lady cannot see the glaring and obvious differences in the disgraceful treatment of p&o workers. fora disgraceful treatment of p&o workers. for a start, they fired their workers and brought in foreign workers at the below the minimum wage. i would workers at the below the minimum wage. iwould have workers at the below the minimum wage. i would have thought there was a fairly obvious difference. secondly, no one's age is being cut here. thirdly, train drivers have a median salary of 59,000, rail workers have a median salary of 44,000, and that compares favourably to nurses with 31000 and care workers with 21,000. no one is talking about cutting salaries.

everybody here is trying to get the modernisation that could secure the future of our railways and it is a great pity to see opposition respected, i was going to say opposition front bench is trying to mislead the public into somehow suggesting this is something to do with the p&o situation when it is entirely separate and different. the other point which i think it is worth washing is the idea that somehow we haven't provided either a negotiating mandate or somehow told network rail told —— not to negotiate. this is not true. they have a negotiating mandate, they are able to negotiate, they are negotiating a package of measures which includes more than 20 areas of reform, which are deeply technical, and require the input of the employers, the work of the employers to negotiate. in return for these reforms, it lays the route to better salaries, to higher pay, but i do

just want to ensure once and for all that we wash the idea that our railway workers are poorly paid in this country, they are not. what railway workers are poorly paid in this country, they are not. what has been a rant — this country, they are not. what has been a rant to _ this country, they are not. what has been a rant to the _ this country, they are not. what has been a rant to the rate _ this country, they are not. what has been a rant to the rate of— this country, they are not. what has been a rant to the rate of taxpayer l been a rant to the rate of taxpayer subsidy so far this year and what additional activities could managers use to try and get a bigger proportion of services running even on a strike day? mr; proportion of services running even on a strike day?— proportion of services running even on a strike day? my right honourable friend is quite _ on a strike day? my right honourable friend is quite right _ on a strike day? my right honourable friend is quite right to _ on a strike day? my right honourable friend is quite right to discuss - on a strike day? my right honourable friend is quite right to discuss the . friend is quite right to discuss the subsidy, 16 billion as a whole, through covid, or 16 billion committed which means we won't have the exact number yet for the amount of that which is still going towards the operation this year. one thing i can say to him is without that support, the railways simply would not have been able to operate. it is the equivalent of a per individual rail worker, the equivalent of a per individual railworker, it the equivalent of a per individual rail worker, it is a heck of a way to thank the taxpayers to turn around and then call the strikes. we have lost about a fifth of the

income from rail, and when i hear mick lynch, the leader of the rmt, claimed that government is cutting the money that is going to the railways, it is a fundamental misunderstanding, i think, railways, it is a fundamental misunderstanding, ithink, by railways, it is a fundamental misunderstanding, i think, by him. the money that is missing is a £2 billion of passenger fares that are not being paid because people are travelling. —— aren't travelling. in travelling. -- aren't travelling. in m travelling. —— aren't travelling. in my area, we witnessed the paddington and southall crashes. one of my constituents with a driver who lost his life, and we were told then about the modernisation of safety inspections, and it was the workers who pointed out what risks they caused. we hear today that they will be a 50% cut in safety inspections of the infrastructure. does he really think the british public have more confidence in his assessment of safety on the rail than the workers who actually implement these safety

inspections? and could i ask him, the british public i believe expect the british public i believe expect the secretary of state not to come in here ranting to provoke a strike, but to behave with the dignity and responsibility of the high office that he holds.— responsibility of the high office that he holds. ., , , , that he holds. madam deputy speaker, the honourable _ that he holds. madam deputy speaker, the honourable gentleman _ that he holds. madam deputy speaker, the honourable gentleman who, - that he holds. madam deputy speaker, the honourable gentleman who, as - that he holds. madam deputy speaker, the honourable gentleman who, as the | the honourable gentleman who, as the house will recall from last week, receives donations from the very union who are going on strike, he is saying no, buti union who are going on strike, he is saying no, but i believe it is the case. it saying no, but i believe it is the case. . saying no, but i believe it is the case. , ., ., ~ ., ., case. it is not true. you know that. order! order! _ case. it is not true. you know that. order! order! i— case. it is not true. you know that. order! order! i cannot _ case. it is not true. you know that. order! order! i cannot have - case. it is not true. you know that. order! order! i cannot have a - order! order! i cannot have a dialogue _ order! order! i cannot have a dialogue here. _ order! order! i cannot have a dialogue here. i— order! order! i cannot have a dialogue here. i do _ order! order! i cannot have a dialogue here. i do recognisej order! order! i cannot have a - dialogue here. i do recognise there is a difference _ dialogue here. i do recognise there is a difference of _ dialogue here. i do recognise there is a difference of opinion, - dialogue here. i do recognise there is a difference of opinion, and - dialogue here. i do recognise there is a difference of opinion, and it. is a difference of opinion, and it might— is a difference of opinion, and it might have _ is a difference of opinion, and it might have to— is a difference of opinion, and it might have to be... _ is a difference of opinion, and it might have to be... it _ is a difference of opinion, and it might have to be... it might- is a difference of opinion, and it i might have to be... it might have is a difference of opinion, and it - might have to be... it might have to be settled _ might have to be... it might have to be settled at — might have to be... it might have to be settled at another _ might have to be... it might have to be settled at another point. - might have to be... it might have to be settled at another point. we - might have to be... it might have to be settled at another point. we willl be settled at another point. we will stick to— be settled at another point. we will stick to this — be settled at another point. we will stick to this point, _ be settled at another point. we will stick to this point, and _ be settled at another point. we will stick to this point, and if _ be settled at another point. we will stick to this point, and if the - stick to this point, and if the honourable _ stick to this point, and if the honourable gentleman - stick to this point, and if the | honourable gentleman wants stick to this point, and if the i honourable gentleman wants to stick to this point, and if the - honourable gentleman wants to raise the matter— honourable gentleman wants to raise the matter later, _ honourable gentleman wants to raise the matter later, i— honourable gentleman wants to raise the matter later, iwill— honourable gentleman wants to raise the matter later, i will listen - honourable gentleman wants to raise the matter later, i will listen to - the matter later, i will listen to him _ the matter later, i will listen to him secretary— the matter later, i will listen to

him. secretary of— the matter later, i will listen to him. secretary of state. - the matter later, i will listen to him. secretary of state. like i the matter later, i will listen to him. secretary of state. like the honourable _ him. secretary of state. like the honourable gentleman, - him. secretary of state. like the honourable gentleman, this - him. secretary of state. like the honourable gentleman, this is i him. secretary of state. like the - honourable gentleman, this is where we do have a lot in common, i have the very sad accident happen in hadfield and my constituency, and a potters bar as well next to where i live, and those were two major rail accidents where the maintenance of the railway was absolutely key. this figure 50% reduction in safety staff is something that i have heard mick lynch of the rmt side, what is wrong about this is that as i explained in my main statement if we can have automation trains taking 70,000 images per minute and using drones and other technologies, using those things is putting our railway at risk because the modern standards that are required for maintenance aren't available. and he asks howl know about this, as transport secretary, i have the unfortunate task of having to read all of the rail accident —— investigations, and

respond to corona's as well. i sadly read about a man who was killed who was walking along the track to maintain it. we need to get rid of these outmoded and outdated modes of maintenance and really look after the safety of the railways. i maintenance and really look after the safety of the railways.- the safety of the railways. i think the safety of the railways. i think the house _ the safety of the railways. i think the house will _ the safety of the railways. i think the house will appreciate - the safety of the railways. i think the house will appreciate that i the safety of the railways. i think| the house will appreciate that the rate that way of dealing with safety is not really across the floor of the house, it is between the employers and their union safety representatives and further progress should come. the rail unions have a six—month authority to cause industrial action, they shouldn't be using it straightaway. on behalf of my passengers, most of whom earn less than rail workers, some of whom don't earn anything at all because they are students taking exams this week, would prefer it if both sides of the house could call on the unions to postpone these disputes until they weren't affects only

people so harshly. i think as one of the most union friendly conservatives, my voice isn't necessarily going to be heard by the unions, but if labour could join in and say postpone the strikes this week, and if people want to take time off to go to a tuc or labour rally, they can come back to the talks are notjust go to the media. my talks are notjust go to the media. my friend is absolutely right. we need to have modernisation, we need to improve our railways and if we work together to do this, we can have a far improved railway, passengers brought back, ease of things like ticketing, where only one in eight tickets are purchased in a ticket office, and yet we have the same set up with people sat behind the glass like they have done since the 19905. what is required in the labour side who are much closer to the unions endorsing that, and

perhaps to clear up the exchange before with the honourable gentleman, i understand that it is his constituency labour party that have received the £30,000 in rmt funding. have received the £30,000 in rmt fundinu. ~ , ., ,, funding. when there is an impassive negotiation. — funding. when there is an impassive negotiation. it _ funding. when there is an impassive negotiation, it is _ funding. when there is an impassive negotiation, it is the _ funding. when there is an impassive negotiation, it is the response i negotiation, it is the response billeting of all the partners to do whatever they can to resolve that dispute. i have been talking today to railway workers, and they are desperate to seek an end to this dispute but they do need a change in the dynamics, so will the secretary of state get off his grandstanding and enter the room which unions are willing to occupy, and engage in dialogue? see where that takes him. i expect the honourable lady, her own constituency labour party, they received £3000 from the rmt, she may have missed the press conference that the leader of her union was

providing an hour ago and now where he made clear that he walked out of those talks, that she is encouraging the employers to go back into. we are ready to speak, we want to see this settled, pay offers have been put down, the modernisation is required in return, it takes two to tango. liik required in return, it takes two to tanuo. ., , tango. uk hospitality, the hospitality _ tango. uk hospitality, the hospitality is _ tango. uk hospitality, the hospitality is trade - tango. uk hospitality, the i hospitality is trade association, believes that the strikes tomorrow, thursday, and saturday, are going to have a massive effect on the hospitality industry, and we are not just talking about the major employers, we are talking about the small family run restaurants, cafes, does my right honourable friend agree with me that really, rather than doing the strikes, the rmt should be going back to the talks and trying to stop the strikes so we can protect the jobs within the important hospitality industry? mr;

important hospitality industry? my honourable friend is absolutely right, these strikes are going to cost the railway a lot, they will cost the railway a lot, they will cost people who aren't able to travel, and often the lowest paid people, particular badly, because those otherjobs where you physically have to turn up. there is probably not a sector that will suffer more than the hospitality sector. it is completely unforgivable just of the country is recovering from covid and once negotiations are continuing and on the falls perspective that there are no pay rises when there are pay rises, to call their members out to strike. ,, . ., , ., ,, ., strike. the secretary of state has mentioned _ strike. the secretary of state has mentioned a _ strike. the secretary of state has mentioned a number— strike. the secretary of state has mentioned a number of— strike. the secretary of state hasj mentioned a number of occasions strike. the secretary of state has i mentioned a number of occasions the various different people who are going to be seriously impacted by the strike, the exam students, those with medical appointments, medical —— many others, and given that the secretary of state insists there is nothing he could possibly have done to avert the strike, can he tell us instead what conversations he has

had with the nhs, with education leaders and others to understand what his department can do to help health and education staff get to work for the rest of this week, to support their critical industry? i support their critical industry? i am grateful to the honourable lady for her question, and indeed i think for her question, and indeed i think for her question, and indeed i think for her vote as well, because when this has voted last week with a 278 majority condemning the strikes, i believe that her and her party were in the lobby putting their position clearly on the record, unlike the official opposition. she asked about those discussions with the nhs, with teachers, and the rest, i am engaged with the contingency secretariat, the part of government which coordinates between myself and fellow secretary of state across government in order to try to, as far as is possible, ease some of the strains and stresses that will come, for example with exams where people may turn up late, and we had been

working with the exam authorities on that as well. but there is no magic solution to this, 20,000 miles of track plus, the fact of the matter is, if you close them down, as the unions are doing, a lot of people will suffer. mr; unions are doing, a lot of people will suffer-— will suffer. my constituents from lei . hton will suffer. my constituents from leighton buzzard _ will suffer. my constituents from leighton buzzard and _ will suffer. my constituents from leighton buzzard and dunstable| will suffer. my constituents from i leighton buzzard and dunstable pay enormous sums of money to commute into london, has their secretary of state done any modelling or the impact of some of these pay rises which are being asked for and the ability of people to be able to afford to travel on the railways? $5 afford to travel on the railways? as transport secretary, a lot of the time, people talk to me and complain about the cost of a ticket on our rail, which can be very high. a third of the ticket price is made up of the salary to run the trains. as i had said all along, i want to see our railway workers paid well for doing their work. in fact, they are paid very well for doing their work, but it must be the case that we run

our railways as efficiently as possible in order to keep the ticket price down for the passengers. and thatis price down for the passengers. and that is the most important part of the reforms that are needed, it is really what is at the heart of this strike, unfortunately, not paid by the reform. in answer to his question about his constituents, i am arranging, so that people who have annual season tickets, rather than having to rely on a delay and repaint system, are able to apply and get their money back for the days they are unable to travel this week. ~ . days they are unable to travel this week. ~ , ,, ., , ., week. the minister knows that the government _ week. the minister knows that the government has _ week. the minister knows that the government has cut _ week. the minister knows that the government has cut £4 _ week. the minister knows that the government has cut £4 billion i week. the minister knows that the | government has cut £4 billion from our transport system, including 2 billion from national rail, and as a result, the companies have decided to cut pay, length and the working day for new starters, attack pensions and cut thousands ofjobs. it will lead to poorer and less safe services and worse conditions, and

less safe services for passengers. we are on the eve of the biggest rail strike in we are on the eve of the biggest railstrike in a we are on the eve of the biggest rail strike in a generation. when is he going to step up to his response both —— responsibility and do what he can do to resolve this dispute? the members opposite are believing a bunch of untruths. a full billion pound cut, she said. i already explained this, this is the passengers not coming on the railway, that is why there was a cut in revenue to the railways, and what a terrible way to address that, go on strike... 0k, on strike... ok, we are going to leave the transport secretary grant shapps there, who is taking questions on there, who is taking questions on the biggest rail strike in 30 years, thatis the biggest rail strike in 30 years, that is going ahead this week, the rmt union confirmed that this afternoon. the union blaming the government, the government blaming the union. it will be the biggest strike in 30 years on the railways,

starting tomorrow. grant shapps saying to passengers, do not travel unless you absolute have to. more coming up at 5pm with rita but let's look at the weather prospects now. it has been a lovely weather start to the week ahead with some sunshine across much of the country, and some want as well, the warmest day of the year so far in northern ireland and also in scotland where temperatures in aberdeenshire reached after 25 degrees. it may turn cool of scotland and northern ireland in the next few days but for england and wales, it will be heating up. the heat across france and spain has gone because we have had some wet weather and cloud, the cloud is coming down into the north—west of the uk, ahead of it as they enter the uk, ahead of it as they enter the day. the cloud will thicken and bring rain across scotland and northern ireland overnight, hence the temperatures won't be quite as high as today. tomorrow. 13 in

northern ireland, further south, we could slip away to seven or 8 degrees. tomorrow sees more cloud for scotland and northern ireland, that will push into northern parts of england. not a great deal of rain, a glimpse of sunshine, sunnier skies further south across much of england and wales, light winds and heating up in the sunshine, temperatures up to 25 degrees in the midlands and in the south—east. 18 in scotland and northern ireland. in scotland, the pollen levels won't be as high, but they are still very high across northern ireland and winds —— england and wales. a breeze keeps a cloud going into northern ireland, west of scotland, some rain, more sunshine in the east of scotland and that will give temperatures a boost. sunshine and light winds for england and wales, the temperatures widely in the mid 205, up to 28 degrees on wednesday.

after wednesday, things may start to change a little bit. a couple of weather fronts, change a little bit. a couple of weatherfronts, one change a little bit. a couple of weather fronts, one to the south, one to the north, that will bring rain towards the northern isles. more cloud in western scotland and northern ireland but in england and wales, in the sunshine at heats up again before we see these thunderstorms are moving up across the channel into the far south of england in the end of the day. but not before the temperatures have risen widely, 26, 20 7 degrees, maybe even 30 degrees in the south of england. that will be the peak of the heat and by friday, more cloud and showers around, and a band of rain in western areas, sweeping eastwards, across glastonbury on friday night, cop followed by cooler and fresher air and sunshine and showers as we head into the weekend. goodbye for now.

this is bbc news. the headlines the biggest railway strikes in 30 years will go ahead starting tomorrow after last ditch talks failed to resolve a dispute over pay, jobs and conditions. they will put jobs they will putjobs at risk and cause misery across the country trying to recover from covid—19 will hurt railway workers, please, let's stop dividing the railway industry and blood started working for a brighter future! the blood started working for a brighter future! . ., , , ., future! the entire country needs a resolution and _ future! the entire country needs a resolution and they _ future! the entire country needs a resolution and they will _ future! the entire country needs a resolution and they will not i future! the entire country needs a | resolution and they will not forgive this government if they do not step in and _ this government if they do not step in and resolve it! the parents of 12—year—old archie battersbee are given the go—ahead to take their case to the appeal court as they battle to keep him alive despite doctors

insisting he is brain dead. barristers will take industrial action in england and wales