Govt's by-election woes, plus rail strike hopes

There was also a glimmer of hope today that the rail dispute can be resolved, according to reports.

Here is the news affecting travel on Friday 24 June.

Rail negotiators edge towards a deal

Rail companies and unions edged closer towards a deal yesterday, senior rail sources said. Bosses at Network Rail hinted they had put together a package that met one of the RMT’s key demands to end strike action. Network Rail had previously refused to rule out compulsory redundancies as part of savings it was demanding in return for an improved pay offer. (The Times)

Government suffers worse by-election defeat in history

The Liberal Democrats have overturned a 24,000 majority to take a seat in Tiverton and Honiton on a night that also saw Labour oust the Conservatives in Wakefield. Conservative party chair Oliver Dowden has resigned following the defeats. (Daily Telegraph)

Ukraine and Moldova accepted as EU candidates

EU leaders have accepted Ukraine and Moldova as candidates to join the bloc, opening a path to membership that’s likely to take a number of years. Ukraine’s president Zelenskyy said his country’s future was “within the EU”. (Sky News)

Stars face race to Glastonbury after BA flight cancelled

Indie band Wolf Alice faced a struggle to play at Glastonbury today after their British Airways flight from Los Angeles was cancelled. The group is thought to have taken an indirect route back from the US. (Daily Telegraph)