Strikes by train drivers in Cumbria could be at an end after the government offered drivers a new pay deal.

The deal, which is to be voted on by the Aslef union, would include a backdated 5 per cent increase for 2019 to 2022, 4.75 per cent for 2022 to 2024 and a further 4.5 per cent for 2024 to 2025.

Aslef and the Government have hailed the offer as a major breakthrough as Labour seeks to prevent further industrial action by public sector workers, but the Tories have insisted it shows ministers have “caved to the unions”.

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Drivers are being encouraged to accept the offer, which would end a two-year dispute, during which they have taken 18 days of strike action and refused to work non-contractual overtime, causing huge disruption to passengers across Cumbria and the country.

Aslef said it has been the longest-running dispute in the history of Britain’s railways.