Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has called in the British Army to assist with the Birmingham bin crisis as an all-out strike by refuse workers continues. The strike, which began on March 11 in a dispute over pay and jobs, has seen thousands of tonnes of rubbish go uncollected and warnings of a public health emergency.

Birmingham City Council previously appealed to neighbouring authorities for assistance but the Government has now turned to the Army for help. It is understood a small number of Army planners are being assigned to provide temporary logistical support for a short period. However, they will be office-based and not troops are being deployed to collect rubbish.