Rail strikes: Labor MP sacked after giving picket line interviews

Shadow Transport Minister Sam Tarry broke 'collective liability' rules and has been 'removed' as a result, the party has confirmed - but the decision sparked an immediate reaction.

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Railway Strikes: Sam Tarry Slams Government Over Negotiations

A Labor leader has been sacked after giving media interviews on a picket line in support of striking railway workers.

Shadow Transport Minister Sam Tarry broke 'collective liability' rules and was 'removed' as a result, the party said in a statement this afternoon.

Leader Sir Keir Starmer previously told MPs not to join the picket line.

News of the sacking sparked an immediate backlash, with MPs breaking ranks to voice support for Mr Tarry, who has been in office since January last year.

A party spokesperson said: 'The Labor Party will always stand up for workers who fight for better wages and working conditions.

Sam Tarry (left) on the RMT picket line at Euston station in London (

Picture:

Ian Vogler/Daily Mirror)

"This is not about appearing on a picket line. Frontbench members are committed to collective responsibility. This includes approving media appearances and speaking in high profile positions agreed.

"As a government-in-waiting, any breach of collective responsibility is taken very seriously and for these reasons, Sam Tarry has been removed from office."

In a statement, Mr Tarry said: 'These key workers have kept our rail services running throughout the pandemic and have been among Britain's Covid heroes alongside the NHS and other public services .

"These same workers have been forced into action because they face a cost of living crisis and runaway inflation caused by the government's mismanagement of our economy, leaving millions struggle to pay their bills and provide for their families, compounded by the fact that insensitive and incompetent ministers refuse even to negotiate with their unions.

“This conflict would not take place under a Labor government, which would ensure that railway workers were paid a fair wage.