Giving in on strikes would be a disaster
IT is vital that Rishi Sunak keeps his nerve in the face of the union bullies.
The PM has played it tough over a tumultuous Christmas and New Year.
But hard-left union bosses are determined to ramp up their self-destructive, ideologically-driven battle with the Government.
Some will see a TUC summit on Tuesday as a chance to plot a general strike in a bid to paralyse the whole country.
With large swathes already at a halt and the economy stalled, this is a showdown the PM must win.
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In the rail strike, support for RMT firebrand Mick Lynch’s hardline tactics appears to be crumbling among his own members and the general public are heartily sick of them.
Latest figures show they hit pubs, restaurants and hotels to the tune of £1.5billion in December alone.
There is optimism that a pay deal might be in prospect.
But Rishi must not sacrifice the need for more modern working practices just to get a settlement over the line, in rail or the public sector.
Any wavering by the PM over productivity in industries riddled with inefficiencies will be seen as shamefully weak.
It will be pounced on by his enemies, particularly the unions.
These crippling strikes must end. But not at any cost.
Stop punishing pubs
STRUGGLING pubs and restaurants are shutting down in droves because of spiralling costs.
Much of the hospitality sector faces extra pain in the form of rip-off surcharges on their energy bills.
We applaud watchdog Ofgem for looking to crack down on greedy energy companies seeking to swell their profits.
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Firms that fail to pass on discounts or impose excessive charges should be hit with hefty fines.
But bars and eateries have been complaining for some time about these unjustified hikes.
One restaurant-chain owner said he faced a demand for £740,000 upfront from his energy supplier last year.
With the sector on its knees, reforms cannot come a moment too soon.
We must do everything we can to save hard-hit pubs and cafes.
Health of the nation
THE PM’s summit on the NHS is welcome.
Addressing this crisis is a monumental job and everyone knows there is no miracle cure.
But at least Rishi has started the treatment.