UK Transport Secretary Accuses Unions of Gunning for Rail Strikes

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps delivers a speech to set out the government's vision to create a reformed and modernised railway, at Siemens Traincare Facility Mobility Division Rail Systems in north London on June 16, 2022. A/PA Media

British Transport Secretary Grant Shapps on Sunday accused the unions of “gunning” for crippling rail strikes that he said are “completely unnecessary” and self-harming.

Union leaders confirmed on Saturday that strikes will be held on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday across the rail network and London Underground over pay, jobs, and conditions. The action by tens of thousands of rail workers will cripple services for most of the week across the country.