LABOUR leader Jeremy Corbyn has given his backing to strike action on Northern rail which will go ahead tomorrow despite bad weather already having hit services.

RMT union members will walk out again for 24 hours in a dispute over safety and the retention of guards on trains.

The RMT is opposing Northern’s modernisation plans which will see guards, or conductors, become more customer-facing at stations due to the introduction of driver-only trains.

Mr Corbyn endorsed an online video produced by the RMT which makes the case for a “safe and accessible” railway.

General secretary Mick Cash said: “We welcome this support from the Labour leader. RMT members are making a principled stand for safety and Jeremy Corbyn recognises that.

“Labour have already made clear that it is their policy to oppose driver only operation and passengers are with us all the way in the campaign to keep the guard.

“The rail companies and their political bosses should take note and get around the table to negotiate a deal similar to the ones the union has already secured in Scotland and Wales.”

Easington MP Grahame Morris also said on Twitter he remained in solidarity with the striking guards.

He said: “Passengers need to feel secure on trains. Guards keep us safe and assist those of us with disabilities.

“Women and young people travelling alone especially in the evenings feel vulnerable without Guards on the train. They can actually save passengers lives.”

Earlier this week Northern, which is operated by Arriva, said further talks would prove impossible with the RMT as it was refusing to budge over a number of pre-conditions it had set in order to reach an agreement in the dispute.

Northern said it would run more than a thousand services on Saturday, weather permitting, about 45 per cent of its normal Saturday timetable, while replacement buses in some areas will also be in operation.

A spokesman said: “Please allow extra time for journeys, plan carefully and consider whether travel is necessary.”