Andover's MP is calling on the rail unions to scrap planned industrial action, saying that all parties need to have 'the best interests of the travelling public in mind'.

As previously reported, the strike action is planned for June 21, 23 and 25 and large parts of the national network will be closed.

The action covers all 14 train operators and Network Rail, alongside simultaneous strikes by London Underground staff. South Western Railways - the main operator in Basingstoke - has 2,100 RMT Union members and will therefore be heavily impacted.

READ MORE: Travellers should expect 'severe disruption' as rail firms announce strike schedule for next week

Kit Malthouse, MP for North West Hampshire, said:: "This morning members were briefed by Claire Mann, managing director of South Western Railway about the strike action due to start next week. The impact on Andover and all stations on the line will be very serious and effectively mean the whole of next week will be impacted.

"This will come as a blow to many of my constituents who rely on the railway, and have recently been returning to their usual travel patterns post pandemic. Along with the Prime Minister, I call on the unions to cancel the strike and return to the negotiating table.

"Our railways must be modernised and we should all have the best interests of the travelling public in mind as we move UK rail into the 21st century."

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