Protest on due on 2nd anniversary of bitter rail row

Commuters, disability campaigners and politicians are to join union leaders at a protest to mark the second anniversary of the bitter disputes over the role of train guards.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) is organising the event in Westminster on Wednesday, marking two years since the row started.

The dispute has spread to four other train operators - South Western Railway, Merseyrail, Arriva Rail North and Greater Anglia.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said:

Rail users from groups including the Association of British Commuters will join the protest, as well as politicians and disabled passengers.

The RMT said there were persistent rumours in the rail industry that a number of train operators were facing financial difficulties.

Unions have been pressing Transport Secretary Chris Grayling to bring the East Coast franchise back into public control after Stagecoach and Virgin were told they could exit the franchise three years early because of losses.

Mick Cash said: