ARCH-LEFTIES savaged a leading Labour MP today for saying unions were “shooting themselves in the foot” with Xmas strikes.
‘Corbynistas’ urged Labour to chuck widely-respected Meg Hillier out of the party for the comments.
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Labour MP Meg Hillier was attacked for speaking out against the strikesCredit: PA Archive
On Twitter Jo Phillips, a member of left-wing campaign group Momentum, said: “I don’t think Labour are split on strikes.
“I think Meg Hillier is voicing an opinion which causes me to question why she is a member.”
Labour Party member Ryan Bell added: “Meg Hillier should have the Labour whip removed.”
The blast came as hard-left Shadow Business Secretary Clive Lewis showered praise on striking posties – with a “shout out” to those on the picket line.
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BA workers are set to strike on Christmas Day and Boxing DayCredit: PA:Press Association
And both Jeremy Corbyn and Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell once more refused to comment or condemn the unions that donate a small fortune to Labour’s coffers.
On Sunday, Ms Hillier said the unions causing Christmas chaos needed a “wake up call”.
She said that while it was absolutely right for people to have the right to strike, unions needed to “think about the impact” on the people they are there to serve.
She added: “If they are not careful they could be shooting themselves in the foot.” Yesterday, Unite leadership contender Gerard Coyne insisted it was “wrong” to criticise the unions.
Yesterday it emerged Jeremy Corbyn attended a Momentum Christmas party where jubilant supporters celebrated the “seething tide” of strikes bringing misery to the country.
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And Post Office workers are walking out this weekCredit: EPA
Separately, Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell was said to have told union militants he would stand “shoulder to shoulder” with them.
The text to strike leaders was sent on September 11 the day of a crucial rally where leaders of the Southern Rail train strikers, junior doctors and prison officers met to discuss coordinating industrial action.
His spokesman refused to comment when challenged about the claims yesterday.
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Southern Rail passengers have faced misery for monthsCredit: AP:Associated Press
Earlier today No 10 blasted striking Labour-supporting unions for causing “untold misery” to commuters and showing “contempt for ordinary people”.
Fresh waves of strike action began today as Post Office workers joined train staff on Southern Rail and airline staff in taking action in the run up to Christmas.
Wildcat action by around 1,000 delivery staff could delay millions of cards and gifts that now may not arrive by December 25.
Posties from big branches are set to walk out for six days, and RMT conductors are staging two days of strike action on Southern from today.
More than 1,500 staff at regional airports will take action from Friday, and BA cabin crew will cause more chaos by striking on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
