First, I want to express how disappointed I am that talks at ACAS between GTR and ASLEF have broken down.
It is particularly disappointing that the talks broke down having been going two days, especially as from what I had heard they were going well with both parties actively engaged. Given that no jobs are being lost and given how much grief the dispute is causing I very much hope that the talks can be resumed and concluded swiftly.
In addition the Secretary of State has reiterated his offer for direct talks with the unions if they call-off the strike action.
There is much speculation, including in the national press, as to what might be done next to resolve this dispute if the talks cannot be resumed. I hope you will forgive me for not adding to that speculation at this stage as I think it would not be helpful to our common objective of just getting the trains running again. It would be far better if the two sides can resolve the issue. There appears to be a very narrow difference - as you would expect given that ASLEF has operated DOO on thousands of trains over the last 30 years.