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The Secretary of State yesterday (July 18) invited the RMT Union’s General Secretary, Mick Cash for direct talks, on condition the strike action was suspended. Members of ASLEF are also ending a ban on overtime which has disrupted services over the past few weeks.

A spokesperson for the RMT said: “We note the letter of July 18 from Chris Grayling, inviting the General Secretary to meet subject to RMT suspending our planned action for both Drivers and Conductors.

“We therefore suspend the industrial action called for Tuesday 1st August, Wednesday 2nd August, and Friday 4th August, and instruct the General Secretary to arrange the meeting and to place back before this NEC an update on the progress of the talks by Tuesday 1st August.

“RMT will be making no further comment at this stage as we arrange details for the talks and allow them space to take place.”

A spokesperson for Govia Thameslink Railway, said: “We are pleased to inform you that the proposed ASLEF and RMT drivers strike on August 1,2 and 4 has now been suspended and we are proud to be working with Brighton & Hove Pride to help get people to and from this spectacular event.

We will be utilising our new longer trains on our Thameslink routes to and from London and also adding carriages on our Southern and Gatwick Express routes where possible.

“Services are still expected to be extremely busy during the festival and queuing systems maybe in place, so do allow extra time to travel and plan to travel outside peak times. As always, we advise you to check before you travel in case there are any short notice alterations due to disruption.

“From all of us at Govia Thameslink Railway, we wish you a wonderful pride!”

Paul kemp from Brighton Pride, said: “We are very relieved and grateful that the action has been called off and has taken away the uncertainty for people travelling from all over the world and UK to visit the City for Brighton & Hove Pride.

The Pride weekend is a critical time for Pride’s community fundraising for the Rainbow Fund and local LGBT and HIV groups and charities, so we’re just relived that the Pride plans to go ahead unhindered and ask the City to come out and stand up to all hate crime.”

Up to date train information can be found on Souther Rail’s website at www.SouthernRailway.com/BrightonPride

Brighton and Hove Pride: 4th – 6th August 2017
Pride Community Parade & Festival: Saturday 5th August 2017

For tickets to Pride 2017, to register for an e-newsletter or to make a donation visit: www.brighton-pride.org