‘It is expected that major portions of the SWR network will be inaccessible for travel on and between those days,’ the firm said in a warning tweet. Where routes are open, far fewer trains are expected to run than usual, resulting in congested services. If at all possible, customers are advised to adjust their travel plans.
Rail freight could be impacted as well, resulting in bare shelves and a gasoline shortage. Ministers have been warned that multi-day strikes could cause power outages in some areas because trains are unable to feed power stations.
Despite being committed to adopting basic service standards on the railways, Downing Street has stated that legislation would not be introduced before the planned strikes later this month.
”I’m disappointed and frustrated because I think I’ve got things to offer. I’ve written to her on a number of occasions and had meetings cancelled so I’m not sure I can do any more.’
Mr Neal claimed he was ordered to’switch fire’ and instead speak with junior ministers.
Labour MP Diane Abbott then grilled him on small boat crossings, as new numbers revealed that over 10,000 migrants have crossed the Channel to the UK so far this year.
Mr. Neal stated that the number of migrants had ‘increased’ since last year. ‘Not that I’ve encountered, no,’ he replied when asked if Ms Patel’s idea to fly migrants to Uganda was having a deterring impact.
Ms Abbott then inquired as to whether the scheme was exclusively intended to benefit single men.
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Yes, I believe it is, but the Rwanda policy is still evolving, and we haven’t yet inspected it – but that’s how I understand it,’ Mr Neal answered.
He then claimed that Stephen Barclay, the head of staff at Number 10 and a Cabinet Office co-ordinator for the small boats crisis, had ‘declined’ a meeting to discuss the subject.
At the Home Office, Mr Neal added, “there always seems to be a crisis going on,” making his job more difficult.
He said he would be prepared to publish inspection findings on social media in order to get them out in public, even if it contravened his organisation’s agreement with the Home Office.
The first flight from the UK carrying migrants to Rwanda is scheduled to depart on Tuesday, but attorneys for more than 90 refugees have already filed court challenges to stay in the UK.
The remaining 38 or so people who were supposed to be aboard the June 14 aircraft are expected to follow suit this week, according to Home Office sources.
According to Ministry of Defence (MoD) figures, Channel crossings began yesterday after a three-day pause, with 79 persons arriving in Dover, Kent.
According to government estimates, this brings the total for the year to 10,020.