The Latest Breaking News from Mick Lynch

The Transport Secretary alleged the RMT had ‘ignored’ requests to negotiate a deal ahead of widespread industrial action

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said no viable settlements to the disputes have been created but Network Rail expressed surprise at the announcement

There will be major disruption with services crippled through the week across the country

In the forthcoming strikes by Network Rail signallers, only about 20% of lines would be open for trains – many of which might not run anyway

The Transport Secretary said rail workers could 'strike themselves out of a job' as he warned he could 'cut the cloth' of railways after the walkout. He also warned he could tear up laws on agency staff this summer and said passengers will get automatic compensation

Labour accuses government of blocking resolution to stop walkout so it can ‘feed on division’

Labour said the last meeting between unions and transport ministers was March 8 - despite Grant Shapps leading a Commons debate to attack striking rail workers and Labour

Train bosses have advised customers to “only travel if absolutely essential” as ten of thousands of workers plan a mass walk-out next week with half of Britain’s rail lines due to be closed

Mick Lynch, of the RMT, said the unions have effectively been in talks with the Government but ‘the Government was not in the room’.