Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with Arriva UK Trains in relation to the continuing rail strikes on the Northern Rail franchise; what proposals they have to end the disruption to services caused by the strikes; and what assessment they have made of whether Arriva UK Trains has breached the terms of its franchise agreement on the delivery of services.

The Department for Transport has had discussions with Arriva Rail North regarding contingency planning for strike days as well as on progress they have made on discussions with RMT.

Proposals to end the disruption are a matter between the operator and the Trade Union. However, we urge the RMT to call off the strikes and for both parties to work on resolving the dispute.

The assessment on service delivery related compliance is still taking place with a number of claims requiring validation.