Nickie Aiken, MP for the Cities of London & Westminster, released the following statement in response to the paralysis of London during the tube strikes.
Once again Londoners and commuters are paying the price for the Mayor of London’s failures to get a grip on the Unions and their never ending demands.
It is utterly unacceptable for the whole tube network to once again grind to a halt for a second day, and for ongoing action to once more take place this weekend on the Night Tube, reducing the number of trains on the Victoria and Central lines overnight on Friday and Saturday nights until June.
The hospitality and entertainment sector has already paid an immense price during the pandemic, and as they rebuild and secure the thousands of jobs for Londoners, strike action is the last thing they need. It is clear that the unions have a stranglehold over City Hall.
I also have concerns for women’s safety. We all know how important it is for women and girls to have a safe route home, especially late at night. The Tube and Night Tube are critical to allowing women and girls to travel home safely, and without the Lines running, creates an unnecessary risk for those returning after a night out with their friends, or working in the night time economy, of which 60% of workers are women.
Not only this, but strike action has prevented our key workers from getting to work, and those attending hospitals for vital appointments.
The working from home directive has seriously hit the hospitality businesses, small cafés, pubs, restaurants and food services across the Two Cities and wider London. The list is endless. These businesses rely on office workers who for the second time this week have not been able to come into work using the London Underground and have had considerable difficulties on the days immediately after. Millions have stayed at home.
The Government has bailed out Transport for London and the Mayor four times since the pandemic hit, providing £5 billion of support, and will continue to step up and support them.
Strike action will do nothing but decimate TfL’s finances, holding back London’s recovery. The Mayor must get a grip over the Unions.
Nickie Aiken MP, Cities of London & Westminster
