Rishi Sunak brands union leader Mick Lynch 'the Grinch who wants to steal Christmas' as he slams 'cruelly timed' strikes

17 December 2022, 20:37 | Updated: 17 December 2022, 20:42

Rishi Sunak lambasted RMT union leader Mick Lynch for causing "misery for millions" with nationwide rail strikes in the run-up to Christmas.

In a column for tomorrow's Sun on Sunday, Sunak wrote that Lynch is a "Grinch" hoping to "steal Christmas".

He said: "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.

"Labour back 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."

Read more: RMT's Mick Lynch insists he doesn't 'relish' in being portrayed as 'the Grinch'

Read more: Christmas getaway chaos: When are train strikes in December and January and what rail networks are affected?

The RMT and other workers' unions are in the midst of nationwide industrial action affecting millions of journeys.

Members say pay offers from their employers and the government are far below current, soaring rates of inflation.

Lynch told LBC yesterday that he "does not seek hostility or even a profile".

The union leader said: "The media is nearly completely hostile to the movement, and I have to bear that.

"They can do that if they want. I’ve got a job to do on behalf of my people.

"I try to go about that in a professional and courteous way."

Lynch also rejected claims that the ongoing rail strikes are losing public support, stating: "I get a lot of support from the general public.

"All over Britain people come and shake my hand and ask me to carry on."