London Tube strikes go ahead after talks fail

The first of two 24-hour strikes by London Underground drivers is under way after talks aimed at averting the action broke down.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union walked out in a dispute over plans by Transport for London (TfL) to introduce a voluntary four-day working week.

The two sides met for last-ditch talks on Monday, but the RMT union said TfL had "failed to provide assurances" over concerns about longer working hours and driver fatigue.

TfL said it was "bitterly disappointing" but aimed to run at least half of Tube services.

The strikes officially began on Tuesday at 00:01 BST and very few services are to run before 06:30 or after 21:00.

The Circle and Piccadilly lines will shut down and parts of the Metropolitan line and Central line will be suspended.

Buses, London Overground, Elizabeth line, DLR and tram services will continue throughout but are expected to be much busier than usual.

Some residual disruption is expected on the mornings of 3 and 5 June.