David Blunkett has called this right and urged the RMT not to strike as to do so at this time will both lose them support in the court of public opinion and play right into the hands of the Tory Party. He said their unwillingness to take a more considered and reasonable view would lead them to walk into an "elephant trap" that would only further set back the cause of unions in general.

Starmer needs to stand up here and be prepared to p iss off the more radical left wing in order to better protect the interests of more moderate unions and Party members in order to fight for better equalities in this country at a time when they are most needed. Sitting on the fence on this will not cut it. Has he the will though? Sadly doubt it.