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Tube strike begins as talks fail Tube strike begins as talks fail
(about 1 hour later)
A 48-hour Tube strike has begun after talks broke down between London Underground (LU) bosses and the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) Union.A 48-hour Tube strike has begun after talks broke down between London Underground (LU) bosses and the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) Union.
Millions of passengers face travel disruption during the strike, which began at 1859 BST.Millions of passengers face travel disruption during the strike, which began at 1859 BST.
Normal services are not expected to resume until Friday. Alternative plans are in place and Tube bosses said they "regret" the impact on passengers.Normal services are not expected to resume until Friday. Alternative plans are in place and Tube bosses said they "regret" the impact on passengers.
The RMT wants a 5% pay rise and a promise of no compulsory redundancies.The RMT wants a 5% pay rise and a promise of no compulsory redundancies.
Last minute talks between LU and RMT leader Bob Crow at Acas failed to avert the strike.Last minute talks between LU and RMT leader Bob Crow at Acas failed to avert the strike.
'Solidly supported''Solidly supported'
Mr Crow said: "There was a deal to be done, then for some reason either the solicitors or City Hall took the rug out from beneath us.Mr Crow said: "There was a deal to be done, then for some reason either the solicitors or City Hall took the rug out from beneath us.
"As far as we are concerned we made every effort."As far as we are concerned we made every effort.
"[But] the strike goes ahead and we expect it to be solidly supported.""[But] the strike goes ahead and we expect it to be solidly supported."
About 3m people use the Tube network everyday and it is estimated the strike will cost the London economy about £100m, business group London First said.About 3m people use the Tube network everyday and it is estimated the strike will cost the London economy about £100m, business group London First said.
Transport for London (TfL) urged people to check before they travel, to stagger their journeys and to consider alternative ways of getting to work such as walking and cycling.Transport for London (TfL) urged people to check before they travel, to stagger their journeys and to consider alternative ways of getting to work such as walking and cycling.
We regret the disruption the strike will cause to passengers as the impact on Tube services is likely to be significant Transport Commissioner Peter Hendy Send us your commentsWe regret the disruption the strike will cause to passengers as the impact on Tube services is likely to be significant Transport Commissioner Peter Hendy Send us your comments
Docklands Light Railway and London Overground services will operate as normal during the strike.Docklands Light Railway and London Overground services will operate as normal during the strike.
A free river shuttle service will be in place in addition to 100 extra buses.A free river shuttle service will be in place in addition to 100 extra buses.
There will be escorts to lead cyclists across the capital and extra parking will be in place for bicycles. TfL will also bring in a taxi-sharing scheme at all major rail stations.There will be escorts to lead cyclists across the capital and extra parking will be in place for bicycles. TfL will also bring in a taxi-sharing scheme at all major rail stations.
National rail operators will accept Oyster cards on rail routes "that mirror Tube journeys" in Greater London on Wednesday and Thursday, a TfL spokesman said.National rail operators will accept Oyster cards on rail routes "that mirror Tube journeys" in Greater London on Wednesday and Thursday, a TfL spokesman said.
Transport Commissioner Peter Hendy said: "We regret the disruption the strike will cause to passengers as the impact on Tube services is likely to be significant.Transport Commissioner Peter Hendy said: "We regret the disruption the strike will cause to passengers as the impact on Tube services is likely to be significant.
"However, the mayor and TfL have prepared plans to keep London moving and thousands of TfL staff will be on hand across the city to help our passengers.""However, the mayor and TfL have prepared plans to keep London moving and thousands of TfL staff will be on hand across the city to help our passengers."
Up to three million people travel on London's Tube network every dayUp to three million people travel on London's Tube network every day
Mr Hendy added: "The RMT leadership says we were close to a deal. If that is the case, then they should call off the strike, return to talks at Acas tomorrow and resolve this issue without any more disruption to Londoners."
The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) said the strike was damaging for business, would cause widespread inconvenience and hurt London's reputation.The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) said the strike was damaging for business, would cause widespread inconvenience and hurt London's reputation.
Deputy director general John Cridland said: "It is regrettable that a small minority of people are prepared to inflict this kind of disruption on others at such a difficult time."Deputy director general John Cridland said: "It is regrettable that a small minority of people are prepared to inflict this kind of disruption on others at such a difficult time."
LU had offered staff a four-year deal worth 1.5% this year and then the rate of inflation plus 0.5% in subsequent years - or a two-year deal of 1% now and inflation plus 0.5% in year two.LU had offered staff a four-year deal worth 1.5% this year and then the rate of inflation plus 0.5% in subsequent years - or a two-year deal of 1% now and inflation plus 0.5% in year two.
However, the RMT wants a 5% pay rise and a promise of no compulsory redundancies. About 3,000 RMT members voted in favour of the strike.However, the RMT wants a 5% pay rise and a promise of no compulsory redundancies. About 3,000 RMT members voted in favour of the strike.
England's World Cup qualifier against Andorra at Wembley Stadium will go ahead on Wednesday evening despite concerns for the safety of fans travelling to the game.England's World Cup qualifier against Andorra at Wembley Stadium will go ahead on Wednesday evening despite concerns for the safety of fans travelling to the game.
As Wembley Park Tube station will be closed, the 70,000 supporters will be forced to either use overground services or to go by car, even though there is a lack of parking in the area. Last week, the FA stopped ticket sales for the game. As Wembley Park Tube station will be closed, the 70,000 supporters will be forced to either use overground services or to go by car, even though there is a lack of parking in the area.
Last week, the FA stopped ticket sales for the game.