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| Letter from Chris Grayling, Secretary of State for Transport, 17 Jan 2017

Statement from Govia Thameslink Railway

ASLEF has agreed to suspend next week’s industrial action including the ban on overtime working.  We will now work hard to restore services as soon as possible. At the time of writing we still expect the RMT industrial action next Monday (23) to continue.

Charles Horton, chief executive of GTR, said:

“We've always made clear our willingness to engage in meaningful talks with ASLEF to find a route forward to end their dispute.

"So, together with our passengers and businesses, we warmly welcome their decision to suspend next week's planned industrial action.  This is an important and significant development for the travelling public and the regional economy and our focus and efforts now will be on productive talks with the union and trying to find a solution and a way forward.   We are grateful to Frances O'Grady and Andy Meadows for agreeing to chair jointly this important new round of talks and they have our unequivocal endorsement and support".

In line with the agreement between the parties, GTR will make no further statement or comment until these talks have concluded.