Streeting hits out at 'reckless' pay strike

WES Streeting said the UK Government was doing everything it could to minimise patient harm as thousands of doctors went on strike over pay.

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A five-day walkout by resident doctors in England is under way, with members of the British Medical Association (BMA) manning picket lines across the country.

But the health secretary condemned the strike as “reckless” and said the Government would not allow the BMA to “hold the country to ransom”.

Asked about the risk of patient harm during a visit to NHS England HQ in London, he said: “I'm really proud of the way that NHS leaders and frontline staff have prepared and mobilised to minimise the disruption.

“We've seen an extraordinary response, including people cancelling leave and resident doctors ignoring their union to be there for patients. I’m extremely grateful.