Summary

  • The biggest train strike in 30 years has disrupted travel for millions, hit businesses and heightened anxiety for students trying to get to exams

  • The RMT union says turnout at picket lines has been "fantastic" and shows "we will win"

  • But rail bosses and the RMT now say they will hold fresh talks tomorrow

  • Even if agreement is reached, this is unlikely to avert another strike on Thursday but a deal could halt Saturday's walkout

  • Tens of thousands of rail staff are taking action over pay, redundancies and changes to working practices

  • PM Boris Johnson has called on passengers to "stay the course" because proposed reforms are in their interest

  • Some Labour MPs have joined picket lines in support, ignoring calls from party leadership to steer clear

  • London Underground workers have also gone on strike in a separate dispute over pensions and job losses

Live Reporting

Edited by James Clarke

  1. Who’s on strike and why?

    Passengers at London King's Cross stationPA Media

    More than 40,000 RMT union members from Network Rail and 13 train firms walk out today in what’s been called the "biggest rail strike in modern history".

    There are also 10,000 RMT members from the London Underground striking today.

    The rail row is over pay and redundancies and the strike on the tube is over pensions and job losses.

    It’s hoped that post-pandemic working from home will help ease the burden on commuters.

    But essential workers, hospitality staff and students sitting exams are among the people likely to be hardest hit.

    Separately, train drivers’ union Aslef has announced walkouts over pay on 26 June at Hull Trains, at Greater Anglia on 23 June, and on Croydon Tramlink on 28, 29 June and 13 and 14 July.

  2. Which lines are affected?

    Passengers at ticket barriers as they arrive at London King's Cross stationPA Media

    Much of the country will not be served by trains at all.

    There will be no services north of Glasgow and Edinburgh, nothing to Swansea and Holyhead and no trains to Penzance in Cornwall.

    If you are travelling inter-city, some of the last services of the day will depart mid-afternoon.

    The rail industry expects about 4,500 services to run during the strikes rather than the usual 20,000.

    Read our guide to which services are hit here.

  3. Welcome to our rail strike live coverage

    Good morning and welcome to our coverage of the first day of a series of national rail strikes - the biggest in 30 years.

    Today’s industrial action sees half of the network shut down and only a fifth of services are expected to run.

    Further strikes are due to follow on Thursday and Saturday, and the days in between are expected to be disrupted as a knock-on result.

    People are being advised not to travel by train.

    Stay with us for updates throughout the day.