Former Tory rail minister admits failure on reform – and praises train staff and unions

The final Tory rail minister has made a shock intervention within the row over prepare driver pay – praising railway employees and saying he understands why Labour ministers selected to “lower a deal” with the prepare drivers.

Final week the brand new transport secretary, Louise Haigh, reached an settlement with the prepare drivers’ union, Aslef, for a “no-strings” pay rise value 15 per cent over three years.

Members will start voting on the supply, for which union leaders have urged acceptance, on 28 August. A big majority is anticipated in favour of the deal.

However inside 48 hours of reaching an settlement, Aslef introduced recent strikes by prepare drivers working for the state-owned East Coast Foremost Line operator LNER.

The prepare drivers’ union says drivers will strike every weekend till 10 November following “a breakdown in industrial relations, bullying by administration, and chronic breaking of agreements by the corporate”.

Tory management candidate James Cleverly accused the Labour authorities of being “performed by its union paymasters”.

However in a sequence of Sunday night posts on X (previously Twitter), Huw Merriman expressed respect for rail employees and their unions.

He wrote: “In my time as rail minister, I used to be lucky to satisfy and work with those that crewed trains and stations, managed the railway and labored with delight for his or her passengers.

“I’m sorry that I wasn’t capable of attain an settlement with all unions who have been on strike.”

Mr Merriman was appointed rail minister by Rishi Sunak in October 2022, three months after the prepare drivers started their industrial motion.

The federal government insisted any wage rise was contingent on radical modifications to working practices, whereas the union demanded an unconditional pay improve. Aslef says the final time he met them for talks was in January 2023.

The previous minister wrote: “Having tried to herald office reform to enhance rail providers and, holding my palms up, failed, I can perceive why the brand new authorities have determined to chop a deal to finish the uncertainty and transfer on with goodwill.

“While it’s reliable to debate the phrases of the deal, the demonisation of prepare drivers and people on board and at stations, who perform a troublesome and expert job for the security of passengers, is totally unfair. These folks work laborious and must be proven extra respect.

“Regardless of reviews, I had a great working relationship with the rail union leaders and recognised their function representing members.

“I hope, by sticking my head up and accepting my half, others can present our rail workforce the respect and recognition they deserve and concentrate on the long run.”

Mr Merriman stood down as MP for Bexhill and Battle on the July 2024 election. His seat was held by the Conservatives.