"I am very disappointed that this strike is taking place. I condemn it. I do not believe it has anything to do with the Island.
“South Western Railway, which runs the Island line, has made it absolutely clear to the RMT many times it will not remove guards from trains. No-one is losing their jobs. Despite this, the union is prepared to walk out for 48 hours next Wednesday and Thursday. This strike is a needless and selfish attempt to disrupt other peoples' lives.
"This industrial action has nothing to do with rail safety and all to do with opposing the Government while using Islanders as pawns.”