Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions he has had with train operating companies on any potential changes to workers' (a) pay, (b) conditions and (c) pensions.

To ensure that as Ministers we have the very latest position, we are constantly updated on the Department’s engagement with the industry and have regular meetings with operators.

The disputes are between individual employers and the trade unions and it would not be for Government to intervene in this relationship. We encourage meaningful discussions and for the trade unions to return to the negotiating table in order to end these rail strikes which impact businesses, users and the general public.