RMT Union Leader Criticizes Keir Starmer for Lack of Support for Working People

Mick Lynch, the general secretary of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union, has criticized Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, for not being on the "side of the people" before the next general election.

Speaking to Sky News' Sophy Ridge on Sunday, Mr. Lynch said that despite the disruption caused by industrial action, most people respect that RMT members have put forward a differing opinion, which opposition politicians have failed to do.

Mr. Lynch pointed out that at the moment, it is a "shame" that people "cannot spot the difference" between Labour and the Conservatives.

He said that Sir Keir has to show that he is "on the side of working people and progressive politics" and that he has not seen that yet.

When asked why people are not seeing this from Sir Keir, Mr. Lynch hit out at the Labour leader again, saying he has five missions but "nobody knows what they are." Mr. Lynch said that Sir Keir should be saying something about workers' rights, the NHS, and addressing the imbalance in society.

However, he added that Sir Keir won't dare mention the word "socialism." Mr. Lynch also criticized the Labour leader for not being clear about his stance on public sector pay disputes and negotiations with doctors.

When asked how long strikes on the railway could potentially go on for, Mr. Lynch said that the RMT will keep going in its campaign until it gets a document that its members want to support in a referendum.

He added that the RMT does not want to be on strike and would much rather get an agreement that its members want.

Meanwhile, Sir Keir told the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg that he would tackle public sector pay disputes and negotiations with doctors differently if he were prime minister.

He said that they would be around the table negotiating and settle the dispute.

Sir Keir also said that he has "always been a reformer" and that the way to invest in public services is to grow the economy.

He added that he doesn't care if he is labeled a "fiscal Conservative" as a result of