Grant Shapps says not even ‘one in million’ chance he could have stopped train strike

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Transport secretary Grant Shapps dismissed the idea of ministers talking the unions over rail strikes – saying there was not even a “one in a million” chance he could have helped prevent disruption. In a heated exchange with Sky News host Kay Burley, Mr Shapps accused her of “falling” for a Labour and union “stunt” on the idea he failed to engage in talks. “I understand you want us to go back to beer and sandwiches in the 1970s,” the minister told the presenter, before adding: “This is a stunt by Labour and the unions that’s you’re falling for.” Mr Shapps also said union leader and the rail companies were “the ones with the technical details and “the mandate” for negotiations, which failed to reach a last-minute compromise on Monday. It is more about transferable skills than it is about the agency.” RMT general secretary Mick Lynch has accused Grant Shapps of “spouting nonsense” with plans to allow agency staff to replace striking workers.