Francis Maude shows hope against the strikes

Strike action later this month could threaten the "real prospect" of a deal over public sector pension reforms, the minister leading negotiations has said.

Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude said the two sides were making progress in talks and were "so close" to agreement in certain areas.
Unions did not want "prolonged and protracted" action, he suggested.
But the NASUWT teachers union, among many due to strike on 30 November, said their members had "no alternative".
Millions of public sector workers are set to take industrial action later this month, saying they will be left worse off by proposals which will require them to work longer before collecting their pension and having to contribute more.
The Unite, Unison and GMB unions have already voted for strike action, as have unions representing teachers and probation officers.