the rmt blaming the government, grant shapps leaving the rmt, so it goes on.. leaving the rmt, so it goes on. yes, it's famous. — leaving the rmt, so it goes on. yes, it's famous. as _ leaving the rmt, so it goes on. yes, it's famous, as we've _ leaving the rmt, so it goes on. yes, it's famous, as we've seen _ it's famous, as we've seen throughout this whole process that we had those strikes on tuesday and again tomorrow. the rmt would say the government is not really being constructive. the government will say the rmt is asking for far too much. you fundamentally, it's exactly as it was and i imagine it will happen again on saturday. huge amount of destruction. —— disruption. but it feels like both sides are pretty entrenched and no one's really moving, and i think it's going to continue and the rmt have it announce further strikes, but i think it'll be a bumpy time this summer and as other papers of god as well, there are other sectors that may go on strike —— have got as well. that may go on strike -- have got as well. �* , . , , , , that may go on strike -

the rmt sa s the practices for the railways. the rmt says the reforms _ practices for the railways.t says the reforms mean job - practices for the railways. the rmt says the reforms mean job cuts - practices for the railways. the rmt| says the reforms mean job cuts and workers need a pay rise to reflect the increased cost of living. it has rejected a pay offer worth 3%. i don't think sunday will be the end don�*t think sunday will be the end of it from what i see, if we can negotiate a deal, we will but otherwise we will look at what campaigns we will put on going forward and rethink other unions willjoin us and more broadly in society. willjoin us and more broadly in socie . . willjoin us and more broadly in socie. ., , willjoin us and more broadly in socie . ., , society. train companies said they were very disappointed _ society. train companies said they were very disappointed and - society. train companies said they were very disappointed and called | society. train companies said they i were very disappointed and called on the rmt to carry on talking. the unions said it was op

the rmt union says it is about the _ stay in a hotel.s it is about the proposed _ stay in a hotel. the rmt union says it is about the proposed job - stay in a hotel. the rmt union says it is about the proposed job cuts . it is about the proposed job cuts and the need for a pay rise to compensate for the rising cost of living. the industry is under pressure at the moment because of falling passenger numbers and rail bosses insist that reform is needed. the rail delivery group who represent national rail expressed their disappointment, claiming the unions were quick to walk away, with talks scheduled to carry on sunday. the rmt, however, feel not enough was put on the table by the rail companies to be able to meet in the middle. we companies to be able to meet in the middle. ~ . ., ., ., ., middle. we want a fair deal for members. _ middle. we want a fair deal for members, including _ middle. we want a fair deal for members, including outpost i middle. we want a fair deal for members, including outpost of middle. we want a fair deal for- m

we strike as premature, which the rmt has rejected-— strike as premature, which the rmt has re'ected.ted. we are not “umping the nun and has rejected. we are not “umping the gun and talks — has rejected. we are not “umping the gun and talks have _ has rejected. we are not “umping the gun and talks have just _ has rejected. we are notjumping the gun and talks have just begun, - gun and talks havejust begun, we began two years ago at the start of covid. there are intent on cutting thousands ofjobs in the railway and we think that threatens it safe safety because they're cutting the safety because they're cutting the safety regime to do that, they are threatening our members' conditions and will not give a pay rise. most of our members have not had a pay dealfor two or three of our members have not had a pay deal for two or three years and we need to resolve those issues now. in addition to workers at 13 train companies, network rail staff, who include signallers, are due to walk out. they are crucial to the network being able to operate and they haven't taken part in nationwide action l

the rmt union says a disute is everybody. the rmt union says a dispute is over _ everybody.ybody. the rmt union says a dispute is overjob cuts _ everybody. the rmt union says a dispute is overjob cuts and - everybody. the rmt union says a dispute is overjob cuts and a - everybody. the rmt union says a dispute is overjob cuts and a pay rise to mitigate the soaring cost of living for top industry is under pressure to save money because of falling passenger numbers and rail bosses insist reform is needed but it is passengers that will feel the brunt. ., , ., , ., ~ ., brunt. lots of people will work from home, brunt. lots of people will work from home. which _ brunt. lots of people will work from home, which most— brunt. lots of people will work from home, which most of— brunt. lots of people will work from home, which most of us _ brunt. lots of people will work from home, which most of us who - brunt. lots of people will work from home, which most of us who can, . brunt. lots of people will work from i home, which most of us who can, have become accustomed to that over the pa

is — other industries are looking at what the rmt is doing and how successful they may— the rmt is doingcriminal barristers today— already seen criminal barristers today say— already seen criminal barristers today say they will be striking. protests — today say they will be striking. protests in the level of... but there's— protests in the level of... but there's also rumours of teachers going _ there's also rumours of teachers going on— there's also rumours of teachers going on strike, doctors, refuse collectors — going on strike, doctors, refuse collectors and people who deliver post as _ collectors and people who deliver post as well. so this could be... if we're _ post as well. so this could be... if we're not — post as well. so this could be... if we're not careful or if the unions are not— we're not careful or if the unions are not careful, we could see this spreading — are not careful, we could see this spreading across a number of industries. teachers and doctors particular. — industries. teachers and doctors particular, that we really are going to he _ particular, that we really

there is an rmt on — trans nine express... there is an rmt on there. ongoing.t been resolved. tt;s: only one watching, kevin, in scotland would have seen the scott real —— scotrail dispute. it is a paradox. when rail spinning is up, a lot of politicians are putting their faith in rail, and i guess from the union's point of view, they're putting their faith in union's point of view, they're putting theirfaith in but union's point of view, they're putting their faith in but that has not been matched by the treatment of the staff. ., .,. , , not been matched by the treatment of the staff. ., .. , , ., the staff. yeah, exactly. they are union jobs. _ the staff. yeah, exactly. they are union jobs. they _ the staff. yeah, exactly. they are union jobs, they have _ the staff. yeah, exactly. they are union jobs, they have to - the staff. yeah, exactly. they are| union jobs, they have to represent unionjobs, they have to represent their members. they say there have beenjob their members. they say there have been job losses and wage stagnation for the last two or three ye

we can ensure the rmt members get a pay rise. you are sa in: the rmt members get a pay rise.s — the rmt members get a pay rise. you are saying it is difficult to understand their position they are saying they can't send your position. it doesn't look like there's any room for compromise. what it does look like is that we are going to face a summer of discontent on the railways, this could go on for or months. then is room for for _ could go on for or months. then is room for for compromise - could go on for or months. then is room for for compromise and - could go on for or months. then is room for for compromise and we l could go on for or months. then is l room for for compromise and we can work together. people from the rmt who understand the finances... they have to understand that you can't just take taxpayers money and expect to just receive continual subsidies. we've got to try and help ourselves as an industry and involve the pit trade unions and part of our industry but we can resolve it. this is resolvable.— is resolvable. steve montgomery, chair of the _ is resolva

their leader has vowed to coordinate his action with the rmt as well.s going and the rhetoric coming from unions at the moment is they are going for maximum disruption in the hope that they will be able to achieve high pay rises. it is worth noting that ministers yesterday were saying that ultimately public sector pay, which the railways largely are now because of the way they are funded, cannot rise in line with inflation, as that itself would be self—inflationary. well, given... if we take that as read, just as hypothetical, but there is room for some movement upwards on pay, do you think these strikes will be effective, that there will be movement from the other side? i think yes, i think, in so much as network rail are looking at ways in order to give staff a pay rise, it is the same for the train operating companies, they are very open in saying they do want to fund a pay rise for their workers. the issue is that they need to find cost savings and they have been told by the department for transport that the budget and the treasury support for the r

there are people from the rmt who understand the finances of how businesses work.ays to receive continuous subsidies. we have to help ourselves as an industry and involve the trade unions as part of the industry, we have to work together but we can resolve it, this is resolvable. that was chaired _ resolve it, this is resolvable. that was chaired a _ resolve it, this is resolvable. that was chaired a very _ resolve it, this is resolvable. that was chaired a very real _ resolve it, this is resolvable. that was chaired a very real delivery group talking to me earlier on. —— chair. and the biggest teaching union, the neu, has said it will ballot its members on strike action in england unless the government offers a pay rise of more than 3%. 450,000 members, will write to the education secretary, nadhim zahawi, this week. any strike would take place in the autumn. the new head of the army has told british troops they should be prepared to "fight in europe once again" as the conflict in ukraine continues. in a letter addressed to all ranks and civil servants, general si

up to 40,000 members of the rmt - point makes it very difficult. are due to walk out on three days this week. they work for 13 train companies, for example guards and cleaners, and at network rail which maintains and operates the railway across england, scotland and wales. its staff include signallers. signalling staff are crucial to be able to run any trains at all on the tracks, and even with contingency measures in place, about half of britain's rail network will be completely closed tomorrow, thursday and saturday. where trains can run, there will be a limited service and only between about 7.30 in the morning and the evening. portsmouth will have no trains at all on strike days. josh takes the train to work because he find parking difficult and fuel prices have gone up. he will have to drive this week and he is worried about another hit to the business if customers who can work from home. i think we will be losing about 30% of our normal trade, and a lot of that is because a big part of our trade is because a big part of our trade is commuted.

the rmt leader was saying yesterday. _ us. the rmt leader was saying yesterday, keir _ us.isputes further down the track, potentially, other unions who will be looking for pay rises who may be walking out. let me ask you, are you on the right side of public opinion? is an opinion poll we have in now and i'll give you the results, it says more than what one half of people say rail strikes are justified. 56% of people said that a justified, more than 66% say government are not done enough to prevent the strikes. are you out of step with public opinion on this? white can you not support the stri? the thought of coming out taking a particular position or doing a particular position or doing a particular thing would help resolve the strings that we would do it. that's not the judgment we've taken. whose side are we on? were onside of people who are the working women and men who want this resolved. this includes rail workers and this includes rail workers and this includes people who need to get a hospital, who need to get to work, to get to school today. nobody is enjoying this,

the rmt has rejected a pay offer worth 3%. jobs, conditions, pay and pensions, the rmt has no choice but to defend our members industrially and to stop this race to the bottom. the rail industry is under pressure to save money after the pandemic hit passenger numbers and revenue and billions of tax—payers' money kept services running. rail bosses and the government want the rmt to agree to reforms and more modern ways of working. if we are able to bring modern practices into the way we run the railway, that could save hundreds of millions of pounds, and that could be transferred into savings and a better pay offer we could put on the table. up to 40,000 members of the rmt are due to walk out on three days this week. they work for 13 train companies, for example guards and cleaners, and at network rail, which maintains and operates the railway across england, scotland and wales. its staff include signallers. signalling staff are crucial to be able to run any trains at all on the tracks, and even with contingency measures in pla

rmt... if you “ust turn that around for us, _ morning. rmt...t around for us, so that we can see. h, y that around for us, so that we can see. u, , we that around for us, so that we can see-_ we can _ that around for us, so that we can see._ we can see - that around for us, so that we can see._ we can see some| see. oh, sorry. we can see some --eole see. oh, sorry. we can see some people behind — see. oh, sorry. we can see some people behind you _ see. oh, sorry. we can see some people behind you now, - see. oh, sorry. we can see some people behind you now, yes. - see. oh, sorry. we can see some people behind you now, yes. 0k, thank you very much for giving us a glimpse of what is happening there. steve is an rmt regional organiser there in cambridgeshire for us. eight medical staff are to stand trial in argentina, accused of criminal negligence in the death of the legendary footballer, diego maradona, including his family doctor, a psychologist and two nurses. maradona died of a heart attack in 2020 while recovering from brain surgery for a blo

the rmt union sa s tickets themselves. the rmt union says strikes — tickets themselves.kets themselves. the rmt union says strikes are on _ tickets themselves. the rmt union says strikes are on the _ tickets themselves. the rmt union says strikes are on the cards - says strikes are on the cards because after of pay freezes rail workers need a pay offer which reflects the rising cost of living. it has also accused network rail which maintains and operates the railway, or planning thousands of job cuts. we railway, or planning thousands of “0b cuts. ~ .., ., railway, or planning thousands of 'obcuts. ., _, job cuts. we cannot possibly sit round while _ job cuts. we cannot possibly sit round while our _ job cuts. we cannot possibly sit round while our members - job cuts. we cannot possibly sit i round while our members become poorer and they are going to lose theirjobs. that is not acceptable to us and my members expect us to have a robust response to employers and be who are completely aggressive towards our members and who are putting them under threat threat. the rail in

the rmt has rejected a pay offer worth 3%.aggressive agenda of cuts to jobs, conditions, pay and pensions, the rmt has no choice but to defend our members industrially and to stop this race to the bottom. the rail industry is under pressure to save money after the pandemic hit passenger numbers and revenue and billions of tax—payers�* money kept services running. rail bosses and the government want the rmt to agree to reforms and more modern ways of working. if we are able to bring modern practices into the way we run the railway, that could save hundreds of millions of pounds, and that could be transferred into savings and a better pay offer we could put on the table. up to 40,000 members of the rmt are due to walk out on three days this week. they work for 13 train companies, for example guards and cleaners, and at network rail, which maintains and operates the railway across england, scotland and wales. its staff include signallers. signalling staff are crucial to be able to run any trains at all on the tracks, and even wit

with rmt, notjust last thursday but a number of days last week.again saying we were doing over the weekend. we spoke to them yesterday morning and we presented that to them. obviously, they rejected it. t them. obviously, they rejected it. i am sure we will be discussing this further, but for the moment, thank you very much. today marks a big birthday for the duke of cambridge — he turns a0 years old. it comes at a time of increasing responsibility for prince william — as our royal correspondent, daniela relph, reports. for a0 years, the major landmarks in his life have happened in front of the cameras. from holidays with his parents and younger brother. to photo opportunities for the first day at school. through the heartbreaking sadness and courage he showed at his mother�*s funeral. in contrast to the happiness a few years later, of university graduation at st andrews, alongside his wife to be. all defining moments, all played out in public. they have allowed us to see how, at 40, a once cautious, contained prince has become a more open, confid

the rmt. rmt. do you think that can be _ support for the rmt. do you think that can be sustained _ support for the rmt. do you think that can be sustained if— support for the rmt. do you think that can be sustained if industrial| that can be sustained if industrial action continues for weeks and months more?— action continues for weeks and months more? . , , ., months more? that is the big one. an union months more? that is the big one. any union on _ months more? that is the big one. any union on strike, _ months more? that is the big one. any union on strike, they - months more? that is the big one. any union on strike, they need - any union on strike, they need support from their members obviously, but they need public support as well. that is quite important. if these strikes go on and on and on, and people are inconvenienced, summer holidays are ruined, it's possible the mood will change and that might affect the way the rmt decide their next move. but at the moment, it looks, unless ther

says it _ the network this week and the rmt says it has — the network this week and the rmt says it says it has rejected an _ the network this week and the rmt says it has rejected an offer- the network this week and the rmt says it has rejected an offer of- the network this week and the rmt says it has rejected an offer of a . says it has rejected an offer of a 2% pay— says it has rejected an offer of a 2% pay rise _ says it has rejected an offer of a 2% pay rise with _ says it has rejected an offer of a 2% pay rise with another- says it has rejected an offer of a 2% pay rise with another 1% - says it has rejected an offer of a - 2% pay rise with another 1% increase and they— 2% pay rise with another 1% increase and they put — 2% pay rise with another 1% increase and they put the _ 2% pay rise with another 1% increase and they put the blame _ 2% pay rise with another 1% increase and they put the blame on— 2% pay rise with another 1% increase and they put the blame on the - and they put the blame on the government— and they put the blame on the government further— and they put the b

that is lynch of the rmt.league 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 nee

saying their was good to turn— sides, the rmt saying their was good to turn out— sides, the rmt sayingact of— the government talking down the impact of the strike today, saying lots of _ impact of the strike today, saying lots of people had been able to work from home — lots of people had been able to work from home. in the end, there is going _ from home. in the end, there is going to — from home. in the end, there is going to have to be some sort of compromise, some sort of deal, with every— compromise, some sort of deal, with every passing day of this dispute it will get _ every passing day of this dispute it will get harder for both sides. then there _ will get harder for both sides. then there is— will get harder for both sides. then there is labour, the labour awkwardness around strikes. all this awkwardness around strikes. all this awkwardness from labour around strikes _ awkwardness from labour around strikes about which side they are on. strikes about which side they are on only— strikes about which side they are on only a — strikes about which side they are on. only a couple,

at their offer and i am sure the rmt at the end of the day will compromise.s as well as england and it is there the government is breathing down the next of their own allegedly independent organisation and do not set more than 3.5%. the gap is not enormous. i am sure employers are prepared to offer 3% so if the government backs off and the rhetoric comes down on the leadership keeps quiet and let the negotiators get on with it, it is possible to reach a settlement. that would be encouraging news to people watching but what do you make of the situation with a potential teacher strike, us optimistic about the option of a resolution in that case as well? . , ., option of a resolution in that case as well? ., ,., .,, , . as well? -- are you optimistic. because _ as well? -- are you optimistic. because of— as well? -- are you optimistic. because of the _ as well? -- are you optimistic. because of the extremely - as well? -- are you optimistic. because of the extremely odd | as well? -- are you optimistic. - because of the extremely odd union law, unions ballot for

the rmt union has re'ected a of £22 each way. the rmt union has rejected a pay _ of £22 each way.ay offer _ of £22 each way. the rmt union has rejected a pay offer worth _ of £22 each way. the rmt union has rejected a pay offer worth 396 - of £22 each way. the rmt union has rejected a pay offer worth 396 and i rejected a pay offer worth 3% and insisted it had no choice but to defend its members against what it called aggressive cuts to jobs and conditions. it has warned that more strikes could follow. i conditions. it has warned that more strikes could follow.— strikes could follow. i don't think sunday will be _ strikes could follow. i don't think sunday will be the _ strikes could follow. i don't think sunday will be the end _ strikes could follow. i don't think sunday will be the end of - strikes could follow. i don't think sunday will be the end of it - strikes could follow. i don't think sunday will be the end of it from | sunday will be the end of it from what i can see. if we could negotiate a deal this week, it can be. otherwise, we will have to look at what campaigns we h

tomorrow's rail strike will go ahead, after talks between the rmt union and railway employers broke down. and a new tribute to the thousands who arrived from caribbean countries from the 19405 and made a huge contribution to british life. and coming up on the bbc news channel... britain's harriet dart is hitting form a week before wimbledon, reaching the last eight at eastbourne. welcome to the bbc news at ten. a devastating earthquake in afghanistan has claimed the lives of more than 1,000 people and left many more injured. the country, which is governed by the militant islamist taliban, is already in the grip of a humanitarian disaster, with millions facing famine. the taliban have asked for international aid, and britain says it's ready to provide assistance. the earthquake struck near the south—eastern city of khost, in paktika province. afghanistan is particularly vulnerable to earthquakes because of a number of geological fault lines which cross the country. the quake measured 6.1 in magnitude, damaging thousands of homes in one of the poorest countries in the world. 0ur correspond

there negotiator has vowed to coordinate his action with the rmt as well. rhetoric coming from unions at the rhetoric coming from unions at the moment is they are going for maximum disruption in the hope that they will be able to achieve high pay rises. it is worth noting that ministers yesterday were saying that ultimately public sector pay, which the railways largely are now because of the way they are funded, cannot rise in line with inflation, is that itself would be self inflationary. well, given... if we take that as red, just as hypothetical, but there is room for some movement upwards on pay, do you think these strikes will be effective, that there will be moved from the other side? i be effective, that there will be moved from the other side? i think es, i moved from the other side? i think yes. i think — moved from the other side? i think yes. i think in _ moved from the other side? i think yes, i think in so _ moved from the other side? i think yes, i think in so much _ moved from the other side? i think yes, i think in so much as- moved from the

but the rmt says reforms mean _ and staff. but the rmt says reforms mean job _ and staff.- and staff. but the rmt says reforms mean job cuts and | reforms mean job cuts and workers need a pay rise that reflects the increased cost of living. it objected to pay off a work of 3%.— living. it objected to pay off a work of 3%. pay is full year on year- _ a work of 3%. pay is full year on year- we _ a work of 3%. pay is full year on year. we have _ a work of 3%. pay is full year on year. we have full - on year. we have full employment and falling pay. we got working people doing full—timejobs claiming got working people doing full—time jobs claiming state benefits and going to food banks. that is intolerable and we have to address that. through people's pay packets. train companies said they were very disappointed and called on the rmt to carry on talking. ian said it's still open discussions that can settle the spirit. for now read passages across britain phase a week of disruption. katy austin, bbc news. misery not only for train passengers. airlines and airports all over the

might rail ministers talk to the rmt, - learn to speak to the rmt? they are using it as a camouflage for the fact fact they have walked out of of the talks that they should be in with their employers who have the capacity to make a settlement but they are refusing to do so. this whole strike is about outdated working practices which go back to the 19505. in some cases for example, not having an ordinary working day on a sunday goes back to a 1919 agreement which is when sundays we are not a day when people were not going up or leisure. if you are meeting _ were not going up or leisure. if you are meeting with _ were not going up or leisure. if you are meeting with them _ were not going up or leisure. if you are meeting with them you - were not going up or leisure. if you are meeting with them you could i were not going up or leisure. if you are meeting with them you could say these things to them rather than just appearing on television and talking about it. i'm genuinely interested in when you last met them? i interested in when you last met them? l

mick lynch is the secretary—general of the rmt.peak with him at the end of the month. asjohn was just telling us negotiations and talks now getting under way with a hope one would assume to avert that strike action but it does have potential to disrupt many major events of the month. we will speak to mick the secretary general of the rmt unit a little later. also worth saying. and we'll find out how this story and many others are covered in tomorrow's front pages at 10:30pm and 11:30pm this evening in the papers. our guestsjoining me tonight are annabel denham, who's director of communications at the iea, the institute of economic affairs, the free—market think tank. and also with me is the broadcasterjohn stapleton. lots for us to get through including of course some of the fallout of that vote of confidence in the prime minister last night. much more reaction to that of course throughout the day. speaking of that. a day after he survived a vote of confidence by a smaller margin than many expected, borisjohnson says he wants to dr

to which the rmt argue that covid—19 which the rmt argue that covid—i9 has been a smoke screen neverjobly negotiating. the union sung to the employer's and the reality and treasuring in particular, is calling the shots. the opposition labour party since this. ., ., , ., the opposition labour party since this. ., ., , this. not only are they boycotting the talks, there _ this. not only are they boycotting the talks, there actually - this. not only are they boycotting the talks, there actually hobbling| the talks, there actually hobbling them _ the talks, there actually hobbling them and it's imperative that they step them and it's imperative that they steo in~ _ them and it's imperative that they ste in. ., , ., step in. the government denies a bo cott step in. the government denies a boycott bnt _ step in. the government denies a boycott but it _ step in. the government denies a boycott but it is _ step in. the government denies a boycott but it is declining - step in. the government denies a boycott but it is declining to - boycott but it is declining to intervene. boycott but it is de

the rmt union has confirmed that next week's rail and tube strikes, the largest in three decades, will go ahead. they say talks have failed to resolve a dispute about pay, jobs, and working conditions. network rail say it's "serious" about trying to find a solution which gave people a "decent pay rise," but was also affordable for taxpayers and farepayers. the strikes, on three days, will cause disruption across england, scotland, and wales. our business correspondent vishala sri—pathma reports. it's set to be a chaotic time if you're travelling by rail at all next week. three 24—hour strikes planned across the week on tuesday, thursday, and saturday, with strikes on the london underground to go ahead on tuesday as well. for those who have plans to go on holiday by rail, or indeed go to work, the strikes are notjust disruptive — they�* re costly. they can hold the country to ransom. no, i don't back it at all. my sister is having cancer treatment, and in london, and that's affecting her treatment next week due to the strikes, so she's having to stay over there in a hotel. you know, eve

what have the rmt said? me with me. what have the rmt said? we have with me.d the negotiations by not allowing network rail to withdraw their letter threatening redundancy for 2900 of our members will stop until the government unshackle network rail and the train operating companies, it will not be possible for a negotiated settlement to be agreed and we will continue with our industrial campaign until we get a negotiated settlement that delivers job security and a pay rise for members, that deals with the escalating cost of living crisis. they seem to be at an impasse because grant shapps has said most of these will come through natural wastage and voluntary redundancies. that's right. it looks like things were more positive this morning. we had a statement from network rail saying the sides got close to an agreement yesterday. they have been in talks for much of the day and it looked like the longer the talks went on the more optimistic one could be about what they were talking about but this has just arrived just now and it seems the two sides are as far aw

strikes, saying that the strikes could "carry on until the autumn", as the general secretary of the rmta "long fight" between unions and network rail. the central image on the front page of the independent is macron outside polling stations yesterday as latest projections suggest the french president is set to lose his grip on power, by winning seats just short of a majority in france's national assembly. the times reports on the possibility of further walkouts — with teachers and doctors unions threatening to join the strikes. the mail also leads on "summer strikes" reporting that teachers, nhs staff, barristers and postmen are all considering possible industrial action. so let's begin. starting with the daily telegraph with the headline, rail union set to strike for six months. if i start with you first of alljames, we didn't mention a moment ago in headlines that talks are expected to continue tomorrow. but of course edging by the daily telegraph headline —— judging it's a fear of a lot worse to come. headline -- judging it's a fear of a lot worse to come.— lot worse to come. absolut

mick lynch of the rmt union _ responsibility. mick lynch of the rmt union thinks _ responsibility.e fighting for better pay and jobs. he feels that you as the labour party are letting down the striking workers.— striking workers. well, look, of course working _ striking workers. well, look, of course working people - striking workers. well, look, of course working people have - striking workers. well, look, of course working people have a l striking workers. well, look, of. course working people have a right and our right to fight for a pay settlement. the context of this dispute is that working people have suffered the slowest growth in wages over the last decade and this year the biggest decline in living standards since records began. these rail workers kept us going for the pandemic, they kept the country stopped, and they deserve a fair pay rise right now. the government is refusing to be at the table, so it is little wonder that they feel they're only tool is to take this action. but it is in the government's gift. they need to set out patiently how they will bring down infla

and the rmt _ the last thing you want. absolutely. and the rmt union _ the last thing you want.says this is about getting all workers their playwrights they need. there is a cost—of—living screens and prices are going up and its workers have not had a pay rise in three years. the have any sympathy for them? t years. the have any sympathy for them? ., ., _ , ., ., them? i have no sympathy at all. the not them? i have no sympathy at all. they got their — them? i have no sympathy at all. they got their point _ them? i have no sympathy at all. they got their point across, - them? i have no sympathy at all. they got their point across, the l they got their point across, the government heard the message, all they are doing is saving themselves and serving their membership but i'm sure if they were to look to their own membership they would find there is plenty of family members who are being frustrated by this as well. as many of them who are having hospital appointments cancelled or frustrated in the same way as i am. the government _ in the same way as i am. the government says _ in

the rmt union has confirmed that next week's rail strikes will go ahead.y talks have failed to resolve a dispute about pay, jobs and working conditions. the strikes will affect railway lines across the country. our business correspondent vishala sri—pathma reports. it's set to be a chaotic time if you're travelling by rail at all next week. three 24—hour strikes planned across the week on tuesday, thursday, and saturday, with strikes on the london underground to go ahead on tuesday, as well. for those who have plans to go on holiday by rail, or, indeed, go to work, the strikes are notjust disruptive — they're costly. i think it's just down to greed, isn't it? i mean, government put in, is it £16 billion of our money, to keep the railways running during the pandemic? and now they're moaning because they're not getting a big enough pay increase. my sister is having cancer treatment, and in london, and that's affecting her treatment next week due to the strikes, so she's having to stay over there in a hotel. you know, everyone deserves fair terms and conditio

— earlier with a barrister with next to an rmt solidarity poster outside one of— to an rmt solidarity to an rmt solidarity poster outside one of the courts, just shows how this issue — one of the courts, just shows how this issue of— one of the courts, just shows how this issue of pay is affecting all different— this issue of pay is affecting all different types of people. you would not expect _ different types of people. you would not expect them to be hired up lrarrister— not expect them to be hired up barrister is, but actually some are paid in— barrister is, but actually some are paid in the — barrister is, but actually some are paid in the low tens of thousands of year in _ paid in the low tens of thousands of year in terms of salary, and that's rather— year in terms of salary, and that's rather striking. because back into the nridst— rather striking. because back into the midst of time when chris grayling _ the midst of time when chris grayling was the justice secretary, similar— grayling was the justice secretary, similar debates there with barristers and what they are being pa

the rmt said that has helped those firms make a record £3 billion in revenue in 2021.t about that figure. they say they were not sure how it had been calculated and could not provide an alternative. everyone agrees that the rail industry needs reforming but there are still big questions about how that is done, where the money is saved or invested and how best to predict demand to make the service fit for the future. a former soldier has been sentenced to life in prison due to the murder of his neighbours. it has been told he will serve a minimum term of 38 years that appeal was convicted of stabbing his neighbours to death in november last year. cctv footage from the night of the murder showed that 35—year—old former royal engineer climbing over the fence to the couples home. domestic abuse is often perceived to be a man abusing a woman. however, domestic abuse towards men by women is a real issue with many victims suffering in silence. to tackle the issue, a new service has been launched in the uk, specifically targeting south asian male domestic abuse victims. gaggan

because that's the rmt leaving that.ide but you could be “oining matt. , ., , ., matt. yes. so we are “umping on the rmt matt. yes. so we are “umping on the am bandwagon. — matt. yes. so we are “umping on the rmt bandwagon, we — matt. yes. so we are jumping on the rmt bandwagon, we are _ matt. yes. so we are jumping on the rmt bandwagon, we are simply - matt. yes. so we are jumping on the rmt bandwagon, we are simply not. | matt. yes. so we are jumping on the i rmt bandwagon, we are simply not. so what is the truth? the truth is that we have been as a trade union talking to a network rail for some time and we have been saying three key things. one, we think that they are able to offerjob security for our members, so we don't want our members thrown off, made redundant in a very difficult economy. we also don't want to rip up terms and conditions like p and 0 did. that's all were asking, they won't do what he and 0 did and the government can't give us a guaranty either. the other thing is, we are asking for pay to rise in

itjust seems that the union is determined to go out on strike, the rmt, come what may and i think it is a very sad situation and i call on them to reconsider. western leaders — including borisjohnson — warn that russia's war against ukraine may go for years —— and support for kyiv must be sustained whatever the cost. and america becomes the first country in the world to approve use of the so—called mrna covid vaccines for babies. hello and welcome if you're watching in the uk or around the world. polling stations have opened across france, in the final round of voting for parliamentary elections. at stake is control of the five hundred and seventy seven seat national assembly, where the liberal party founded by president emmanuel macron has held sway for the last five years. he held sway for the last five years. is just voting here placed he isjust voting here. he has placed his vote and we saw earlier marine le pen and jean—luc bell on show, his two main rivalsjust two months ago, also placing their votes. the situation with the presidential election was that in the end, emmanuel ma

for three days spread over the next week, the rail workers�* union, the rmt, will down tools.ected across the country, and in some places like hull, no services will be running in or out on strike days. awful for people if they need to get to jobs, and to work, and to places. i don't like strikes. maybe asking for a bit too much of a pay rise. i support the rail strike because no one is listening to them, the transport minister has not been listening to them for decades. ministers have faced pressure to get involved, to broker a deal to prevent disruption. but speaking to the bbc this morning, the transport secretary laid the blame squarely at the door of the unions. i don't think there is any need for these strikes at all, and i appeal directly to people working for the railways. you are being led down a cul—de—sac by the union leadership, telling you that there is no pay rise when there is, trying to create some sort of class war when there is none to be had. we want people to be paid more, we want sensible reforms and modernisation of our railways so that we can run it for

this is a | question of not giving in and the rmt is _ question of not giving in and the rmt is aboutu give into the unions _ week and that if you give into the unions the others will step in and we will have a spiral of wage claims _ we will have a spiral of wage claims. reading the story makes me think that _ claims. reading the story makes me think that we should have the prices and incomes board back. it used to be and incomes board back. it used to he e>

the rmt, however, feel that not enough was put on the table by the rail companies to be able to meetfair deal for our members which includes a cost of living pay rise, that includes job security. it's another one of the issues that we've said, people need job security. there will be some services operating, but many will be disappointed. lots of people will work from home, which we have all, most of us who can, have become accustomed to over the past few years, so it could be that it doesn't bite those people quite as much as it would have done in previous years. but for more of the leisure travel events, glastonbury is often mentioned as being one of the big events that's happening next week, the reality is that people willjust have to find another way to travel. the government say they are hugely disappointed and feel the strikes are premature, urging the rmt to reconsider, but with no compromise in sight for the time being, it's set to be a stressful seven days ahead, with passengers bearing the brunt. vishala sri—pathma, bbc news. militants in afghanistan are reported to have kil

the rmt is not _ think it's lazyjournalism. the rmt is not a _ think it's lazyjournalism.s of the press — been certainly in some sections of the press and fuelled by comments from government ministers the idea that we _ from government ministers the idea that we are — from government ministers the idea that we are going back to the 19705 of mass _ that we are going back to the 19705 of mass 5trike5 led by union baron5 and militant picket5 and all the rest of— and militant picket5 and all the rest of it — and militant picket5 and all the rest of it. on the one hand, the government has talked about leveling up and _ government has talked about leveling up and in _ government has talked about leveling up and in fact, has government has talked about leveling up and in fact, ha5ju5t been said, boris _ up and in fact, ha5ju5t been said, bori5johnson up and in fact, ha5ju5t been said, boris johnson apparently wants to stay on _ boris johnson apparently wants to stay on for— boris johnson apparently wants to stay on for a third term so he can complete — stay on for a third term so

both labour and the rmt have called on the government to step in.n will intensify if we don't get a settlement. but we are determined and available to get a settlement at any time. but they must loosen the shackles of the employers so they can make a deal. we want to protect our members' jobs, we want to protect their conditions, and we need a pay rise. so, it is a fairly straightforward issue. grant shapps is putting a lot of hyperbole into it but we can settle this if he allows these companies to negotiate. however, the government insists it is for the employer to negotiate with the union, with the transport secretary grant shapps describing the rmt is determined to strike. after receiving government funding to keep services running during the pandemic, rail bosses say any pay rises must come with changes to make the railway more sustainable. we really require detail and acceptance that the reform can go ahead, and then that allows us to work on how we can get a settlement for our staff and make sure that way that we move the industry forward. the

industrial action is something we will see from the rmt next week.le including paying energy bills and £650 to go towards the really vulnerable and last week, they employed an advisor to take them through this cost of living crisis. the co—founder ofjusteat — and his advice to everyone here and the government and the companies is basically, we need to get out of the cost of living crisis by private companies finally coming to the party to help. some asylum—seekers who arrive in the uk in small boats or on the back of lorries could be electronically tagged under a new home office trial. the prime minister says it's important to "make sure asylum seekers can't just vanish into the rest of the country". critics say the plan treats those fleeing persecution as criminals. our political correspondent damian grammaticas reports. after the plane, chartered at a cost of several hundred thousand pounds to take asylum seekers to rwanda could not leave this week, the legality of the government's policy of deporting those seeking protection here must now be decid

the rmt union — you don't miss your last train. the rmt union is _ you don't miss your last train.panies to try once again to resolve the dispute. but even if they do make a breakthrough, it would be too late to avert the chaos coming tomorrow, the second day of the strike a third walk—out planned for saturday. in the commons today, labor called once again on the government to get directly involved. why doesn't he do his job, directly involved. why doesn't he do hisjob, get round the directly involved. why doesn't he do his job, get round the table and get the trains running? mr his job, get round the table and get the trains running?— the trains running? mr speaker, we are making — the trains running? mr speaker, we are making sure _ the trains running? mr speaker, we are making sure that _ the trains running? mr speaker, we are making sure that we _ the trains running? mr speaker, we are making sure that we are - the trains running? mr speaker, we are making sure that we are doing i are making sure that we are doing everything — are making sure that we are doing everything we can

the rmt union is called selfish and irresponsible by number 10 as days of crippling rail strikes are planned for later this month. our members have had enough, as have many british workers. we need a pay deal, we need job security and we need decent terms and conditions. a picture of a 16—year—old ukrainian girl in her prom dress in front of her bombed out—school spreads around the world as fighting rages in the donbas region. it was not about me, it was more about bringing attention to the situation in my hometown in my country. borisjohnson makes his first appearance in the commons since winning a confidence vote, insisting nothing will stop his government from delivering. one person is killed and many are injured as a car careers into a crowd in berlin — police say they don't yet know if it was deliberate. the former hollywood producer harvey weinstein is to be charged with two counts of indecent assault against a woman in london in 1996. and plans to send asylum seekers to rwanda as soon as next week face a legal challenge under emergency proceedings launched in the high court. t