London tube strikes called off following ‘significant progress’ in talks

Announced earlier this month, the industrial action was called by members of the Aslef and RMT unions walkout in protest over changes to working conditions, including staffing reductions and a review of pensions brought as part of Transport for London’s (TFL) post-Covid financial settlement with the Government.

Had it gone ahead, the strike would have stopped the tube entirely for four days and caused widespread disruption across the network all week, but following talks with TFL at the conciliation service Acas, it has now been suspended.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: "There has been significant progress made by our negotiating team.

"However, this is not the end of the dispute nor is it a victory for the union as yet.

"Our members were prepared to engage in significant disruptive industrial action and I commend their resolve.

"RMT's strike mandate remains live until October and we are prepared to use it if necessary."

Lynch added that, in his view, only the threat of strikes led to progress in talks with TFL.

He said: "We will continue to negotiate in good faith as we always have done with TFL and it was only the steadfast commitment of our members in being prepared to take sustained strike action that has forced the employer to make significant concessions.

"Our campaign to defend jobs, conditions and our members' pensions will continue in the coming weeks and months."

National rail strikes planned for Saturday 22 and 29 July are still set to go ahead.

Several restaurants in London have this week announced deals to try and ​​encourage diners out on strike days​​, with Hawksmoor offering a £15 steak and frites meal deal across all of its UK restaurants.