As far as the RMT union is concerned, it’s a bargain: four days of chaos for the price of two. But the cost to the capital, the pain for commuters and businesses alike, is far greater.
As we report today, economists calculate that the industrial action will cost the London economy £50 million for each full day’s closure of the Underground. The setback comes as our restaurants, hotels and shops are trying their utmost to make up the £80 billion in lost trade over the last two years as a result of the pandemic.
These strikes damage our recovery — including that of TfL — and are simply the last thing London needs or Londoners deserve.
Please help Ukraine if you can
Yesterday, the Standard launched our Ukraine Appeal to help bring humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine. We are pleased to announce that another charity, Save the Children, will be the second beneficiary alongside the Red Cross.
In the first 24 hours, we have raised more than £70,000 in conjunction with our sister title, The Independent. It is a great start but we want to go further.
To our readers, who have always been so generous to causes at home and abroad, please do donate if you can at gofundme.com/eveningstandardukraineappeal