Southern loses court bid to halt series of strikes by train drivers

The owners of Southern Railway have lost a High Court bid to stop a series of strikes by train drivers.

A judge ruled that the industrial action, though disruptive, is legal because it was sanctioned through a lawful ballot.

It is the latest blow for beleaguered commuters on the network, which has suffered months of upheaval.

Southern said it was disappointed with the decision and would "review matters" with its legal team.

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Members of the Aslef trade union are due to walk out for three days next week and for six days in January in a dispute over driver-only trains.

The action will halt all Southern services and affect hundreds of thousands of people.

Owners Govia Thameslink Railway had argued that the action, though lawful under English domestic law, would unlawfully restrict freedom of movement rights protected by EU legislation.

Delays and cancellations have crippled the Southern network in recent months.

About half of its trains are already being cancelled because of a drivers' overtime ban as well as separate action by the RMT union.

Rail minister Paul Maynard said: "I urge the unions to call off their strikes now and take up the offer of talks with myself and the Secretary of State, as this unnecessary action will cause misery and disruption to thousands of passengers."