Ex-rail minister says he understands Labour deal with unions

Huw Merriman calls for end to demonisation' of train drivers and apologises for failing to bring reforms

A former Conservative minister has called for an end to the demonisation of train drivers and said he understood why the new Labour government had decided to cut a deal" with unions.

Huw Merriman, who served as the rail minister for the entirety of Rishi Sunak's premiership, apologised for failing to bring in workplace reforms and his inability to reach an agreement to end the strikes.