Rail industry reacts to death of Queen Elizabeth II

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Messages of condolence have poured in from across the rail industry following the news of Queen Elizabeth’s passing.

Britain’s longest-reigning monarch died at Balmoral Castle, Scotland on 8 September.

Sir Peter Hendy CBE, chair of Network Rail, said: “It is with great sorrow that we have learned of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. We send our deepest sympathies to the Royal Family.”

Andy Byford, London’s Transport Commissioner commented: “It is with great sorrow that we have learnt of the death of Her Majesty The Queen We send our deepest sympathy to His Majesty The King and all members of the Royal Family.”

Rail unions the RMT and ASLEF have suspended strike action scheduled for 15-17 September and has joined the nation in paying their respects.

ASLEF announced: “In light of the sad news of Queen Elizabeth II’s death, ASLEF is postponing its industrial action on 15th September. We express our deepest condolences to her family, friends and the country.

“We express our deepest condolences to her family, friends and the country,” said an RMT tweet.

The TSSA has also cancelled planned industrial action for 26 September and expressed its “deepest condolences to her family, friends, the country and those affected by her passing.”

At 96, Queen Elizabeth’s busy schedule had slowed down considerably in the past 12 months and among her last public appearances was the opening of the Elizabeth Line on 17 May this year.

Accompanied by her son, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, she officially unveiled a plaque to celebrate the completion of the line named in Her honour.

The plaque will be permanently mounted at Paddington station, celebrating Queen Elizabeth’s connection with the railway for generations to come.

Rail Media joins the country in mourning and offers its deepest sympathy to the Royal Family.

Image credit: istockphoto.com

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