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John McDonnell MP threatens industrial action at RMT protest against Driver Only Operation

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arylebone Station, London, UK. 5th January 2026. Rail union RMT stage a demonstration outside Marylebone station in opposition to plans to introduce Driver Only Operation (DOO) on the new East West Rail line. The action follows confirmation from Chiltern Railways that it intends to operate services on the new route without a second safety-critical member of staff, despite RMT’s long-standing opposition to DOO. RMT is clear that a second safety-critical person onboard trains play a vital role in protecting passengers and workers, including providing reassurance, deterring anti-social behaviour, coordinating responses to incidents, managing emergency evacuations and dealing with fires. The recent mass stabbing on an LNER service at Huntingdon station according to the RMT, has highlighted the importance of trained staff being present onboard to react quickly, raise the alarm and ensure effective coordination with control, signallers and the British Transport Police. The union is demanding clear guarantees that East West Rail services operated by Chiltern will not be DOO and that a second safety-critical member of staff will be a mandatory requirement for trains to run. The Rt Hon John McDonnell, Labour MP for Hayes and Harlington and RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey each delivered a speech to the attending demonstrators.

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