AS train and tube strikes loom, compare and contrast our network to that in war-torn Ukraine, which is providing a critical lifeline, moving refugees out and vital supplies and armaments in.

Despite constant attacks, the trains continue to run, their heroic workers determined to keep the country moving.

Here, predictably, the unions want to bring our country “to a standstill,” according to Mick Lynch, General Secretary of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT).

This, at a time our fragile economy is coping with a cost-of-living crisis, affecting millions of people.

Regrettably, the strike has the support of 89 per cent of RMT members balloted over concerns about pay, compulsory redundancies and safety claims.

Modernisation is also aggravating the situation, especially driverless trains and unmanned stations.

I’m not sure the public will sympathise much, especially after the taxpayer has bank-rolled the railway to the tune of £16 billion during the pandemic.

Since Covid, underground and mainline passenger numbers have collapsed, leaving train companies unviable and Transport for London virtually bankrupt.

The Transport Secretary has warned that strikes risk “fatally damaging the railways” and is drawing up legislation to ensure that a minimum service is maintained.

Worst case scenarios predict just a fifth of passenger trains running and, should the RMT paralyse the system, plans are afoot to give freight trains priority.

Meanwhile, just as the country returns from the Jubilee Bank Holiday, the Underground is to close for a day.

This will not only cause havoc, but is particularly mean-spirited bearing in mind the event the nation is celebrating.

As I said at the beginning, what a stark contrast between a free and fortunate nation, and one that is fighting for its very existence.