Rail strikes back

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SUBSCRIBE SUBSCRIBE: £1 FOR 3 MONTHS January 03, 2023 View in browser Hello there, I'm Thomas Kingsley and welcome to The Independent's Inside Politics newsletter.    As the first rail strikes of the year begin, 2023 is feeling very much like 2022. With a month of strike action scheduled for January across different sectors, Rishi Sunak's government will return from break straight onto the front line against union leaders. Inside the bubble Parliament returns on 9 January. Daily briefing Rail strikes back   Rishi Sunak used his first New Years address to deliver hard truths to the British public about 2023. In his message, Mr Sunak said the UK's problems would not disappear in the new year. No lies were told by the prime minister as the first set of strikes kick off this year with members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) at Network Rail and 14 train operators will stage two 48-hour walkouts from Tuesday and Friday, while drivers in the Aslef union will strike on Thursday.   Rail passengers heading back to work will face disruption across the country only a few days into the New Year, showing signs of things to come as the government is locked in a bitter dispute with unions. Similar to December, January is set to be filled with key strike dates with ballots concluding from leading teaching and fire brigade unions, which could spell more disruption for the nation.    Mr Sunak also also facing pressure within his own party as it was revealed that he was shelving plans for a major overhaul of the childcare system aimed at saving parents money and helping them back into work. Liz Truss had been looking at increasing free childcare support by 20 hours a week and ending mandated staff-child ratios in what her team described as a "big bang" shake-up of the system.   Tory MPs took to social media to express disappointment at the development, sparking fresh talk of rebellion against the prime minister. According to reports, the policy drive has been postponed indefinitely, with the scale of reforms now being considered expected to be much smaller.  Enjoying this newsletter? Unlock unlimited, ad-free reading on the website and in The Independent app when you subscribe – plus, benefit from our welcome offer when you join today. Sunak 'in a muddle' over Covid   Passengers from China who arrive in the UK next week will not face compulsory Covid tests on arrival, it can be revealed.   In stark contrast to other countries, testing at Heathrow airport will be voluntary, and those who test positive will neither be quarantined or ordered to self-isolate.   After originally saying the government had no plans to test arrivals from China, Rishi Sunak U-turned and announced that arrivals from China would need proof of a negative test. However, the prime minister has been accused of "muddled thinking" over Covid.    The Liberal Democrats' health spokesperson Daisy Cooper said: "Government incompetence on dealing with the latest Covid threat is the last thing our overstretched NHS needs right now. This muddled thinking could haunt ministers if they get it wrong." Ms Cooper added: "The government's approach to sampling needs to be brought into line with other countries. Ministers must learn from past failures." The official advice for anyone who tests positive after arrival at Heathrow from China is to follow the standard UK guidance for people with Covid, including to "avoid crowded places such as public transport, large social gatherings, or anywhere that is enclosed or poorly ventilated".   On the record   Steve Brine, Conservative MP and chair of the all-party parliamentary group on childcare and early education, on childcare in England.     "There is a major structural problem with childcare in England, across facilities both run by the state and especially those run by private individuals and firms. There should be a review of long-term childcare funding. The pressure on costs for childcare providers is forcing many of them out of business."     From the Twitterati   Conservative MP, Simon Clarke, responding to reports that Rishi Sunak has 'shelved' major childcare reform plans.   "Siobhan is quite right.  Childcare is hugely and unnecessarily expensive in England and we should do all we can to support working mums." Essential reading   Ian Hamilton, The Independent: Will the UK finally decriminalise cannabis in 2023? Marie Le Conte, The Independent: Thought 2022 was wild? 2023 will be the strangest in politics yet Tim Stanley, The Daily Telegraph: What my barren mantelpiece taught me about Britain's age of decline Simon Jenkins, The Guardian: This NHS crisis is historic – a war footing is the only way to deal with it We noticed that you might not be registered By registering, you will enjoy limited access to Independent Premium articles, commenting, and virtual events with our leading journalists REGISTER FOR FREE OTHER NEWSLETTERS YOU MIGHT LIKE Climate News Every Friday, 12pm (UK time) Written by Louise Boyle Join now Health Check Every Thursday, 7am (UK time) Written by Rebecca Thomas Join now If you can spare a minute we'd love your feedback on our newsletters. Join the conversation or follow us Please do not reply directly to this email.   You are currently registered to receive The Independent's Inside Politics email. 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