Rail strike: Labour MPs appear at station picket lines

A number of Labour MPs have shown support for this week's rail strikes by appearing at picket lines outside stations, despite warnings from Sir Keir Starmer's office.

Senior Labour MPs were told not to show support for the strikes.

However, Kate Osborne, a parliamentary aide, tweeted an image of herself at a picket line saying she would "always stand on the side of the workers".

Other backbench Labour MPs have also expressed support for the unions.

Beth Winter, who represents Cynon Valley, posted a photo of herself and other MPs at London's Victoria station with the message: "The trades unions are the organised working class. In the words of Mick Lynch, 'If you're not bargaining, you're begging, and the British working class should not have to beg'."

And veteran Labour MP Diane Abbott tweeted: "On the RMT union picket line at the Seven Sisters depot. (But don't tell Keir Starmer)."

Millions of rail passengers in England, Scotland and Wales have been hit by the strike, which started on Tuesday and is due to continue on Thursday and Saturday.

The RMT union - whose members voted to strike - is asking for a pay rise of at least 7% to offset the rising cost of living, but it says employers have offered a maximum of 3%, on condition they also accept job cuts and changes to working practices.

The Conservatives have repeatedly accused Labour of failing to condemn the industrial action - and Justice Secretary Dominic Raab said the party had "actively encouraged the inconvenience commuters are suffering".

Responding to the strikes, Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner said: "Workers have been left with no choice.

"No one takes strike action lightly - I will always defend their absolute right to do so for fairness at work."

She argued that Boris Johnson's government had caused the situation adding: "Now they must solve it."

Asked if Ms Osborne would be fired for appearing at a picket line, shadow Treasury minister Pat McFadden said that was "a matter for the whips and the party leader".

Labour's stance has frustrated many trade unions, which are among the party's biggest donors.

Sharon Graham - head of the Unite union - said: "The Labour Party was founded by the trade unions and we expect Labour MPs to defend workers, by words and by actions.

"To instruct Labour MPs not to be on picket lines with workers speaks volumes.

"You don't lead by hiding. No one respects that. It's time to decide whose side you are on. Workers or bad bosses?"