A SOUTH Essex MP has condemned the rail strikes as she stands up for residents and students that rely on the trains.

Anna Firth, MP for Southend West, spoke in the emergency rail debate and condemned the strikes.

She raised concerns about the impact the strikes with have on children taking GCSE’s and A-Levels and confirmed both AQA and Esexcel exam boards have since confirmed they allow strikes to be used as grounds of appeal if students arrive late.

Anna Firth said: “Yesterday, I took the opportunity to stand up for all residents that, like me, rely on the railway to get in to work.

“I spoke in the emergency rail strike debate and condemned the proposed rail strikes that will cause massive disruption and damage to residents, commuters, businesses, families, schools, NHS workers and children across Southend West.

“In particular, I deplored the lack of regard for the impact of these strikes on the results of children taking GCSE's and A-levels.

“Both AQA and Edexcel exam boards have confirmed that they will not allow the strikes or their impact to be used as grounds of appeal for students affected by the rail strikes, either by arriving later or perhaps missing their exams altogether.

“Given these students have experienced the worst educational experience in our life-times over the last 2 years due to the pandemic, these strikes are morally reprehensible and should be condemned in the House of Commons by all sides, not just the Conservative benches.

“I was very pleased to hear that the Secretary of State completely agreed with my point of view and will post the video as soon as possible.”