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Southern rail strike begins after court rejects appeal – live updates Southern rail strike begins after court rejects appeal – live updates
(35 minutes later)
10.27am GMT
10:27
Damien Gayle
Damien Gayle has been talking to pickets outside London Bridge station.
One driver, who preferred not to be named, said the issue they werestriking over was safety. “If you’ve got a 12 carriage train coming upfrom Brighton, it could have a thousand people onboard.”One driver without a guard was not able to ensure the safety of somany passengers, he added.
10.22am GMT
10:22
The Press Association has stories of commuter woe:
A man who will miss telling his two young children a bedtime story because of the Southern strike is just one of the thousands of angry commuters to vent their frustrations.
Jim Boyden, a management consultant, from Shoreham, West Sussex, said he will be forced to stay in a London hotel until Thursday because of the lack of trains between his home and Victoria.
The 38-year-old shared a photo of his one-year-old son Zac and wrote an emotional tweet to Southern: “Because of your strike, I am unable to travel home until Thursday and read him and his sister a story. Because of your strike, we will not discover what animal is hiding in his favourite book tonight, or tomorrow night.
“Because of your strike, he will be unable to take me by the hand and show me his favourite toy, which is ironically, a choo choo train.
“Because of your strike, I will miss his smile.
“You can refund me my Season Ticket. You can refund me my hotel. I can even make up time at work, but how – how – are you going to give me back the things money can’t buy? “For God’s sake, sort it out.”
Another parent who took to the social media site to complain was a mother whose six-year-old daughter was left in tears after a school trip to the British Museum was called off at the last minute due to the train chaos - which included problems on TfL’s Victoria Underground line.
Monica Corduff-Gonzalez, 44, from Forest Hill, south-east London, said: “With the anticipated extra pressure on the Overground created by there being no Southern service, and severe delays at Highbury and Islington, the school decided to postpone the trip to the new year.
“I was going to be going on the trip with my daughter and my husband was taking the day off work to look after my toddler. My daughter was super excited about the trip and having her mum with her, and there was flood of tears this morning at finding out the trip was cancelled for today.”
One commuter who usually uses Southern Rail to get from Sydenham in south-east London to King’s Cross left the house more than two hours early to avoid overcrowding on the alternative Overground service.
Carmen Butterworth left at 5.45am instead of 8am to avoid being late for work.
Butterworth, 33, a personal assistant, told the Press Association: “I knew that everyone would be forced to use the already overcrowded Overground and it would probably be a struggle to even board and I can’t be late to work.
“The blame doesn’t just fall with Southern. However I do not think much of how they have handled the strike – telling half a million people not to attempt to travel on a work day isn’t practical.”
People’s tweets caused #southernstrike and #southernrail to trend on Twitter.
Natasha Gourlay-Harris took to Twitter to call on Southern to refund her pre-paid 30 Christmas work lunch, which she feared she would miss because of the strike.
Gourlay-Harris, 45, travels from Cheam, near Sutton, to London Victoria via Hackbridge and was stuck on a bus “in appalling traffic” for half an hour before finding the main entrance to Sutton station had been closed - with commuters being funnelled through a smaller second entrance.
The personal assistant said: “When will the Government step in?! I pay over 2,000 a year for a really awful service and then I read the company that owns Southern are taking in 90+ million in profits? It’s criminal. And criminal that these profits are not going back into the system that makes all this money.”
Updated
at 10.27am GMT
10.01am GMT
10:01
Some car drivers have been tooting support for striking train drivers at the Selhurst depot picket in south London, PA’s Jemma Crew reports.
Passing cars hoot in support of drivers on the #southernstrike picket line outside Selhurst depot pic.twitter.com/X23fOvG5jv
Updated
at 10.13am GMT
9.57am GMT
09:57
The transport secretary, Chris Grayling, has rejected London mayor Sadiq Khan’s proposal to hand control of the Southern rail franchise to Transport for London.
In a letter to MPs, Grayling said: “Transport for London has no experience of running a mainline railway like this.”
He also claimed the rail unions were being unreasonable. The letter says: “I wish we were dealing with reasonable people on the union side. For all the shortcomings of the train operator – and there have been many – and the failures of the infrastructure – also many – it is difficult to resolve any of the other problems on this network while the union leadership seem hell bent on fermenting this dispute.”
Updated
at 10.16am GMT
9.43am GMT9.43am GMT
09:4309:43
Damien GayleDamien Gayle
At London Bridge station, a key Southern rail terminus, every platform wasmarked with a large red X, writes Damien Gayle. At London Bridge station, a key Southern rail terminus, every platform was marked with a large red X, writes Damien Gayle.
A few passengers were waiting, scratching their heads.Benan Yolcu, 21, a law and criminology student at Brighton University,said the strike had affected her “horribly”.“I have an exam today and I don’t think I’m going to make it on time,”she said. A few passengers were waiting, scratching their heads.Benan Yolcu, 21, a law and criminology student at Brighton University, said the strike had affected her “horribly”.
She said she knew a strike was coming, but added: “I thought it was not going to be today, and when I checked online [on a rail timetable app] it said that everything was running normally.”She held up her phone to prove her point.Yolcu said she had no idea why the train drivers had gone on strike. Still, she had some sympathy for them. “I understand that they mighthave their reasons,” she said. “However, [brighton trains] every hour?Come on. People have things to do. I understand people have theirsituations but other people have jobs.” “I have an exam today and I don’t think I’m going to make it on time.”
She said she knew a strike was coming, but added: “I thought it was not going to be today, and when I checked online [on a rail timetable app] it said that everything was running normally.”
She held up her phone to prove her point.
Yolcu said she had no idea why the train drivers had gone on strike. Still, she had some sympathy for them.
“I understand that they might have their reasons,” she said. “However, [Brighton trains] every hour? Come on. People have things to do. I understand people have their situations, but other people have jobs.”
Updated
at 10.18am GMT
9.36am GMT9.36am GMT
09:3609:36
Departure boards at London Victoria and London Bridge make grim reading.Departure boards at London Victoria and London Bridge make grim reading.
Damien Gayle at London Bridge says there are very angry passengers on the concourse. His snap of the departure board explains why.Damien Gayle at London Bridge says there are very angry passengers on the concourse. His snap of the departure board explains why.
More than half the departure boards at Victoria this morning displaying no journey information #southernstrike pic.twitter.com/pNj7ui1cyVMore than half the departure boards at Victoria this morning displaying no journey information #southernstrike pic.twitter.com/pNj7ui1cyV
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.45am GMTat 9.45am GMT
9.25am GMT9.25am GMT
09:2509:25
Caroline BannockCaroline Bannock
If you’ve been affected by the strike we’d like to hear from you. Are you using alternative means to get into work or are you staying at home? If you won’t be making it into the office, what are you doing instead? You can share your experiences, photos and videos with us by clicking on the blue ‘Contribute’ button on the blog.If you’ve been affected by the strike we’d like to hear from you. Are you using alternative means to get into work or are you staying at home? If you won’t be making it into the office, what are you doing instead? You can share your experiences, photos and videos with us by clicking on the blue ‘Contribute’ button on the blog.
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.45am GMTat 9.45am GMT
9.21am GMT9.21am GMT
09:2109:21
Opposition politicians continue to blame the government for the strike.Opposition politicians continue to blame the government for the strike.
The Green party joint leader, Caroline Lucas, urged ministers to do more to resolve the dispute.The Green party joint leader, Caroline Lucas, urged ministers to do more to resolve the dispute.
Profound sympathy with other #Southernfail passengers battling rail system today. Govt should be actively resolving it not washing handsProfound sympathy with other #Southernfail passengers battling rail system today. Govt should be actively resolving it not washing hands
Labour’s former shadow transport secretary Michael Dugher says the strike highlights systemic problems with the rail network.Labour’s former shadow transport secretary Michael Dugher says the strike highlights systemic problems with the rail network.
Southern Rail shows a railway system that, as Labour has highlighted for years, doesn't work for passengers. Zero accountability or controlSouthern Rail shows a railway system that, as Labour has highlighted for years, doesn't work for passengers. Zero accountability or control
Shadow Welsh secretary, Jo Stevens, is also backing the strike.Shadow Welsh secretary, Jo Stevens, is also backing the strike.
Judges rule @ASLEFunion legitimately taking industrial action. Legal burden on unions already onerous. Tories now want to ban rail strikesJudges rule @ASLEFunion legitimately taking industrial action. Legal burden on unions already onerous. Tories now want to ban rail strikes
But the Labour MP Simon Danczuk, who had the party whip withdrawn after a sexting scandal, is sceptical about the strike.But the Labour MP Simon Danczuk, who had the party whip withdrawn after a sexting scandal, is sceptical about the strike.
This @BBCr4today interview isn't going well for the train union guy - sounds like he wants the strike simply to be vindictive #justsayingThis @BBCr4today interview isn't going well for the train union guy - sounds like he wants the strike simply to be vindictive #justsaying
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.46am GMTat 9.46am GMT
9.01am GMT9.01am GMT
09:0109:01
The transport secretary, Chris Grayling, has been giving a series of broadcast interviews expressing his view that the strike is “futile”.The transport secretary, Chris Grayling, has been giving a series of broadcast interviews expressing his view that the strike is “futile”.
His department has also posted a defiant video address in which Grayling says: “We are not prepared to end the modernisation of the railways.”His department has also posted a defiant video address in which Grayling says: “We are not prepared to end the modernisation of the railways.”
He said he didn’t understand why the unions were so resistant to modern technology.He said he didn’t understand why the unions were so resistant to modern technology.
Unions strike action unnecessary. No jobs being lost and no pay being cut  - unions disputing who presses button to close train doors. pic.twitter.com/dpJE3nYg91Unions strike action unnecessary. No jobs being lost and no pay being cut  - unions disputing who presses button to close train doors. pic.twitter.com/dpJE3nYg91
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.49am GMTat 9.49am GMT
8.55am GMT8.55am GMT
08:5508:55
Julian Glover, former special adviser at the department for transport, insists thats the strike is about union pride and their control of the railways rather than safety as the unions claim. Julian Glover, the former special adviser at the Department for Transport, insists the strike is about union pride and their control of the railways rather than safety as the unions claim.
Miserable rail strike isn't about 1. safety - driver control's been used since BR and it's fine or 2. jobs, protected. Or pay.Miserable rail strike isn't about 1. safety - driver control's been used since BR and it's fine or 2. jobs, protected. Or pay.
Strike IS about 1. union control of rail - can trains run w/out RMT permission 2. pride. Southern's got people's backs up.Strike IS about 1. union control of rail - can trains run w/out RMT permission 2. pride. Southern's got people's backs up.
Unions should meet govt. without conditions and talk. Old working practices + higher costs + higher fares = less investment, worse trainsUnions should meet govt. without conditions and talk. Old working practices + higher costs + higher fares = less investment, worse trains
Updated
at 9.59am GMT
8.46am GMT8.46am GMT
08:4608:46
Damien GayleDamien Gayle
Commuters at Balham station are being forced to take taxis to work, writes Damien Gayle.Commuters at Balham station are being forced to take taxis to work, writes Damien Gayle.
Andrea Dunn, 24, and Gemma, who declined to give her surname, 32, werewaiting outside Balham station to share an Uber taxi. “We’re totalstrangers waiting to share an Uber now,” Gemma said.Dunn, who works at Sky, said she had absolutely no idea what thestrike action was about. But Gemma, who said she would miss a clientmeeting as a result of the strike, had stronger opinions. “I’m blamingthe RMT,” she said. “I think they are too aggressive, too frequent.”Asked what she knew about the reasons for the strike, Gemma said:“Train guards and locking doors, I think. Not having enough trainguards; they want to take train guards away so there’s no one to lockdoors in person.”Gemma’s cynical assessment of the strike was even shared by onesouthern rail worker directing passengers to alternative routes.“These drivers are never happy, but they earn £55k,” the worker said.“They are making these problems up. I saw my manager... normally theRMT and him, they should be different things, right? But they go outfor drinks together. It’s all planned, we know that.“They are going to have a very nice Christmas.” Andrea Dunn, 24, and Gemma, who declined to give her surname, 32, werewaiting outside Balham station to share an Uber taxi. “We’re totalstrangers waiting to share an Uber now,” Gemma said.Dunn, who works at Sky, said she had no idea what thestrike action was about. But Gemma, who said she would miss a clientmeeting as a result of the strike, had stronger opinions. “I’m blamingthe RMT,” she said. “I think they are too aggressive, too frequent.”Asked what she knew about the reasons for the strike, Gemma said:“Train guards and locking doors, I think. Not having enough trainguards; they want to take train guards away so there’s no one to lockdoors in person.”Gemma’s assessment of the strike was even shared by oneSouthern rail worker directing passengers to alternative routes.“These drivers are never happy, but they earn £55k,” the worker said.“They are making these problems up. I saw my manager … normally theRMT and him, they should be different things, right? But they go outfor drinks together. It’s all planned, we know that.“They are going to have a very nice Christmas.”
8.44am GMT
08:44
In that video message London mayor Sadiq Khan urged the government to give Transport for London control of commuter lines like Southern, Southeastern and South West.
Addressing commuters he said: “You pay too much for delays, cancellations and disruption. You deserve a better service. Southern commuters have been abandoned by the Government. You’ve had months of chaos. But it doesn’t have to be like this.”
The mayor urged commuters to write to the Transport Secretary and the Prime Minister for TfL to have control - promising a “more frequent and more reliable” service “with fewer strikes” and “more affordable fares”.
He added: “This is far more important than party politics. Together we can secure the decent and affordable commute that you deserve.”
Southern rail passengers have been abandoned by the Government. You deserve a better service. #SouthernRail pic.twitter.com/UV7lPFkpV2
8.41am GMT
08:41
Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Grayling said: “There’s a lot of things after this is over we are going to have to take a careful look at. We can’t leave our railways exposed.
“There are issues on this line that go beyond just the issue of these strikes.
Asked what he would do to stop future strikes, Grayling said: “We are thinking very carefully about how we take things forward. I’m not going to rule anything in or anything out today.
“There is a lot to think about when this strike is over. The important thing now is to get the services running again.”
8.34am GMT
08:34
Chris Grayling says the government will look “very carefully” at possible changes to strike rules on railways to prevent the kind of action taking place today.
8.32am GMT
08:32
Paul Plummer, chief executive of the Rail Delivery Group, representing train operators, claimed rail companies are trying to modernise the way they work to give customers better services.
He added: “Hundreds of thousands of passengers are suffering needless disruption because of these strikes - despite independent expert evidence that safety isn’t at risk. Trains where drivers close the doors are safe.
“The truth is that these strikes are not about safety, not about jobs and not about customer service.”
8.30am GMT
08:30
Mick Whelan, general secretary of the driver union Aslef, has accused Grayling of being “less than honest on all counts”, PA reports.
He also referred to a speech made at a public meeting in Croydon earlier this year by a DfT official.
“Earlier this year Peter Wilkinson, the 265,000 a year director of rail passenger services, said on a public platform that the aim of the DfT is to force train drivers - men and women he derisively referred to as ‘muppets’ - ‘out of my industry’.
“Mr Wilkinson said he was determined to provoke industrial confrontation and, indeed, was looking forward to ‘punch-ups’ with trade unions.
“The strikes this week are not, whatever Mr Grayling tries to suggest, politically motivated. We have a trade dispute with GTR/Southern, and only a poor government would seek to spin it any other way. I think their motives are clear.”
8.20am GMT
08:20
Damien Gayle
Back on Balham station Joseph Volcy, 32, is wondering how she well ever get to work at a digital marketing company.
“I just didn’t know and it’s awful, by the way I’m seeing it I won’t get to work until 11, because it’s in Kingston.
“I need to get on my phone, talk to all my clients one by one.
“It’s not the first time. I’m really disappointed. The train is never on time, sometimes it says it’s coming and just disappears. I’m thinking I have to move house. It’s bad because it really affects your morale.”
8.17am GMT
08:17
Sadiq Khan says government have abandoned passengers
London mayor Sadiq Khan has accused the government of abandoning Southern rail commuters.
Southern rail passengers have been abandoned by the Government. You deserve a better service. #SouthernRail pic.twitter.com/UV7lPFkpV2
8.13am GMT
08:13
Damien Gayle
Damien Gayle has been talking to angry commuters at Balham station in south London.
Jessica Knight, 23, was on her way to work at Saviles estate agent in Richmond.
“It’s a pain in the arse,” she said. “I’ll have to work from home. My boss won’t be happy.
“I didn’t realise it was completely not working. It’s really annoying because there’s so many people trying to get to work and do their jobs. They need to sort it out really.”
Asked if she had any sympathy for those taking strike action, she replied: “No, I couldn’t care less.”
8.10am GMT
08:10
RMT General Secretary Mick Cash has rejected government claims that the strike is political and urged the Transport Secretary Chris Grayling to end a “misinformation” about the action.
In a statement he said:
“This morning Chris Grayling claimed again that the action on Southern is political - it isn’t, it’s about safe train operation for both passengers and staff alike. The transport secretary wants to ask himself why the unions have been able to resolve disputes and reach agreements on Scotrail and elsewhere if our motivation is purely political.
“Mr Grayling also claimed again that the RSSB is an independent safety body - it isn’t, it’s funded by the private train companies.“Finally, Mr Grayling claimed that there is a campaign of unofficial action organised by the unions - there isn’t, and the evidence points to Southern sabotaging services to try and turn the blame onto the staff.”“Now is the time for Chris Grayling to make it clear that all of that rhetoric and misinformation is being swept away and that both him and his contractors, GTR, are serious about talks with the union’s involved in today’s action.”
Cash’s statement added:
“RMT drivers on Southern Rail are standing shoulder to shoulder with their ASLEF colleagues this morning in a fight for safe train operation. This strike action is wholly the responsibility of a government and a company that have sought to bulldoze through changes that are ill-conceived, finance-led and fraught with danger.
“RMT remembers only too well the words of top government transport official Peter Wilkinson who told Southern passengers he wanted a punch-up with the unions, that train drivers were muppets and that he would starve our members back to work.
“That was the top Government rail official making it clear he was hell bent on confrontation and it is that position which has led us to today’s shutdown.”
8.01am GMT
08:01
Welcome to our live coverage of the latest Southern rail strike, which looks set to be the most disruptive yet.
The strike by train drivers has brought services to a complete halt after the court of appeal rejected a second attempt by the rail company to block the action.
Judges upheld last week’s ruling by the high court to dismiss claims by Southern’s owner, Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), that industrial action called by the train drivers’ union, Aslef, infringed rights under European law.
All of Southern’s 2,242 weekday services have been cancelled, causing the worst disruption for more than 20 years.
Aslef members have mounted picket lines outside stations at the start of the 48-hour walkout in a dispute over driver-only trains. Another strike is planned for Friday.
Commuters are planning a protest outside the Department for Transport on Thursday evening.
The transport secretary, Chris Grayling, has continued to blame the unions for the months of disruption to Southern services and urged them to sit down with the company to resolve long-running disputes over driver-only trains and changes to the role of conductors.
But Aslef and the Rail, Maritime and Transport union attacked the government, saying ministers had been preventing Southern from negotiating properly.
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.06am GMT at 10.01am GMT