The transport secretary has blamed unions for this week's rail strikes. In a statement to the Commons, Shapps opened by attacking the rail unions, saying the action was organised by 'some of the best-paid union barons representing some of the better paid workers in this country'. 
He went on to say: 'This week's strikes were created by the unions, organised by the unions and is the full responsibility of the unions.'
Rail strikes will go ahead as RMT leader says government ‘actively prevented settlement to dispute’ – live