GB News presenter Nana Akua has clashed fiercely with socialist commentator Curtis Daly during a fiery debate on the London Underground strikes which have brought chaos to the capital’s transport network.
Nana grilled Mr Daly over his defence of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union’s industrial action, which has left commuters battling severe disruption since Sunday.
Services on the Bakerloo, Central, Circle, District, Hammersmith & City, Jubilee, Metropolitan, Northern, Piccadilly, Victoria, and Waterloo & City lines have all been suspended at different points this week due to action by the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT).
Nana challenged Mr Daly on his defence of the union’s industrial action, pressing him over pay, working hours, and additional benefits.
Nana challenged Mr Daly on his defence of the union’s industrial action
|GB NEWS
“Are they really justified in asking for fewer hours, more pay, and a 75 per cent discount on travel?” she asked.
Mr Daly argued that the strikes were about protecting workers’ rights and addressing fatigue.
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He cited previous incidents where overworked staff had been involved in accidents, saying the Government had a responsibility to address working conditions.
Mr Daly said: “Well, first I want to say this is deeply embarrassing for Keir Starmer and the Labour Government. Remember when they attacked the Conservatives, saying they wouldn’t get round the table and that’s why all these strikes happened? They’ve now done the exact same thing.
"Earlier this year we had doctors striking and now we’ve got the RMT walking out. It’s clear hypocrisy from this Government.
"But to your point, I think this opens up a really interesting conversation. Eddie Dempsey was talking about fatigue, and it’s true a few years ago a bus driver fell asleep after working a 14-hour day and crashed into six cars.
"What’s really sad about that story is one of the victims needed therapy for a year, because their baby granddaughter had been in the car at the time.
"I think we should be having a much wider discussion about tiredness, fatigue, and the dangers they pose.”
Later Nana said: "Curtis, what do you say about the argument that these trains could be automated? And of course, robots, they don't need to sleep."
Mr Daly responded: "So we can't even get fast rail in this country. Barely.
Tube strikes are taking place this week causing chaos in London | PA"So the idea that we can automate trains and drivers is never going to happen. Not for a long time.
"But also, I don't like the idea that we're talking about removing people's jobs."
Nana responded: "The Government could be more efficient. Money talks."