Rishi Sunak brands rail union baron Mick Lynch a ‘Grinch’ fighting ‘class war’

Rishi Sunak branded rail union baron Mick Lynch a ‘Grinch’ fighting ‘class war’ today as he vowed to stand firm against strikes.

The PM launched a direct attack on the RMT chief warning that bowing to demands for huge pay settlements would only ‘kick us into an inflation spiral’. 

He also swiped at border staff over walkout – but seemed to dodge similar barbs at NHS staff amid increasing unrest on Tory benches. 

The defiant stance came as insiders claimed Mr Lynch is ‘bricking it’ that he has ‘gone too far’ and caused public fury by blighting Christmas with industrial action.  

Writing in the Sun on Sunday, Mr Sunak said rail workers and border official had rejected deals that were ‘fair’ and ‘affordable’ for taxpayers. 

Rishi Sunak (left) launched a direct attack on RMT chief Mick Lynch (right) warning that bowing to demands for huge pay settlements would only ‘kick us into an inflation spiral’

A picket line at Manchester Piccadilly during strikes earlier this year

‘All massive pay hikes would do is kick us into an inflation spiral and we would all be worse off. The poorest would be hit the hardest,’ the PM warned.

‘Rail workers and border officers have been offered deals that are fair – and affordable to taxpayers. An increasing number of union members want a deal. They are tired of being foot soldiers in Mick Lynch’s class war.

‘Even Labour has admitted the unions’ demands are unaffordable. But they’ll still take union money and undermine the interests of the public.

‘Labour backs the Grinches that want to steal Christmas for their own political ends. We are doing everything we can to ensure people get the Christmas they deserve.

‘The Army is stepping up and we’re putting in place other measures to keep services running where possible.

‘I hope those thinking about striking come back to the table. As I showed during Covid, the priorities of the British people are my priorities.

‘I will do what is necessary to protect the public. The unions need to do the same and return to negotiations.’

A rail insider told the Sun on Sunday: ‘Mick is bricking it that he has gone too far.

‘He is the tribune of the people who is now wrecking Christmas. He is worried about being hated.’

A forlorn traveller at Paddington station in London last week