Union bosses have criticised plans to deploy 1,200 troops to cover strikes, but the prime minister has hit back by calling them “Grinches” who “want to steal Christmas”.
Union chiefs claim the military are not “sufficiently trained” to guard the country’s borders or drive ambulances, and that they should not be put in such an “invidious” position when they already have “enough on their plate”.
But Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said unions are “causing misery for millions” with what he said are strikes “cruelly-timed” for Christmas, particularly singling out industrial action by rail workers.
The UK is facing a wave of strikes this winter, with at least one walkout a day ahead of Christmas, as staff from different industries seek better pay.
Writing in The Sun on Sunday, Mr Sunak said rail workers and border officers have been offered “deals that are fair and affordable” – but he made no mention of ambulance drivers or nurses.
He claimed that an “increasing number of union…
