Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with representatives of the Rail Delivery Group on negotiations with the (a) RMT and (b) other Transport Trade Unions; and what negotiating powers he has given that group.

The Transport Secretary wants to see an end to the rail industrial disputes, which are affecting passengers, the industry and the rail workers themselves.

The Secretary of State and I Rail regularly meet with both Rail Delivery Group and Network Rail representatives and are also having introductory meetings with rail union leaders.

We are very clear that it is for employers and Trade Unions to negotiate the details of essential workforce reforms that would enable an affordable pay deal. Ministers role is to facilitate and support the ongoing discussions between the rail industry and Trade Unions regarding workforce reform and pay.