Sam Tarry, MP for Ilford South and Shadow Transport Secretary, was at Euston station this morning with striking rail workers. He told Sky News that the government’s treatment of rail workers was disgusting. Labor officials were banned from joining picket lines during last month’s strikes. A Labor Party spokesman said: “The Labor Party will always stand up for workers fighting for better pay, terms and conditions at work. “This is not about appearing on a picket line. Frontbenchers take collective responsibility. This includes approving media appearances and speaking at agreed frontbench positions. “As a government-in-waiting, any breach of collective responsibility is taken extremely seriously and for these reasons Sam Tarry has been removed from the top spot.” Mr Tarry caused a stir when he appeared at the buying and selling panel this morning alongside RMT union boss Mick Lynch. Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player 7:52 Shadow Transport Secretary Sam Tarry has defied Sir Keir Starmer and joined a string of RMT pickets. But he denied defying party orders, saying: “I’m not defying anyone. I’m here supporting 40,000 low-wage transport workers who have decided to strike.” In a statement after the dismissal, he claimed he was “proud” to support industrial action, saying key workers who kept the transport network running during the pandemic now faced a “cost of living crisis and rampant inflation caused by government mismanagement of our economy.” In particular, he refused to criticize the Labor leadership, instead hitting out at “reckless and incompetent ministers” who he accused of refusing to negotiate with the unions. He added: “This dispute would not be taking place under a Labor government which would ensure that rail workers receive a fair wage. “It has been a privilege to serve on the Labor front for the past two years and to have the opportunity to speak up for hard-pressed workers who deserve much better than the treatment they have received from this corrupt and out-of-touch government.” Mr Tarry’s sacking has sparked outrage among allies on the left of the Labor Party. John McDonnell tweeted: “This must be the first Labor MP to be removed from his frontbench seat for taking part in a series of union pickets in support of workers.” Kate Osamore said: “Solidarity @SamTarry. Labor exists to fight for ordinary people. We must never lose sight of that.” Zara Sultana said: “Labour MPs should be proud to stand with working people. It’s in the name.”
