Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg has labelled train bosses a “bunch of wet wipes” after they failed to take action to minimise the impact of the latest wave of strike action on the nation’s railways.  

The Government introduced new laws last year to allow train companies to impose minimum service level requirements during walkouts. 

Members of the Aslef train drivers’ union are walking out across 16 train companies during this week but no train companies have elected to use the power to require a minimum service. 

Sir Jacob, the former business secretary, said the Government should take away some of the rail industry’s subsidies if train bosses refuse to use the powers. 

He told GB News that “the rail bosses are a bunch of wet wipes” and added: “I think it’s time the Government stood up more to the rail companies, and said if they don’t make use of the legislation provided to keep trains running, they should lose some of their subsidies.”

You can follow the latest updates below and join the conversation in the comments section here.