British Airways strike could begin at midnight if appeal succeeds

British Airways cabin crew could walk out at midnight if the court of appeal overturn yesterday's ruling that their sequence of strikes would be unlawful, a union lawyer said this afternoon.

Unite, which represents more than 90% of British Airways cabin crew, is appealing against the high court's decision that the union did not obey with its statutory duties after carrying out a strike ballot earlier this year.

Three of Britain's mainly senior judges are hearing the appeal at the Royal Courts of Justice: the lord chief justice, Lord Judge, the master of the rolls, Lord Neuberger, and Lady Justice Smith.

Asked in court about the timescale of any industrial action, John Hendy QC, for Unite, said the strike could potentially begin by midnight tonight if the appeal judges ruled in the union's favour.

The judges may not deliver their judgment until tomorrow, however, depending on how long counsel spends making symbols.