Wes Streeting responds to the RCN announcing strike dates as a result of the Government’s refusal to open negotiations

Wes Streeting MP, Labour’s Shadow Health Secretary, responding to the RCN announcing strike dates as a result of the Government’s refusal to open negotiations, said:

“Why on Earth is the Health Secretary refusing to negotiate with nurses? Patients already can’t get treated on time, strike action is the last thing they need, yet the Government is letting this happen. Patients will never forgive the Conservatives for this negligence.

“First the Government refused to speak to the health unions all summer, now they refuse to negotiate. If the Conservatives have given up governing, they should stand aside for Labour. 

“There were no strikes in the NHS during the 13 years of the last Labour government, and the cavalry is coming with the next Labour government. We will abolish non-doms to launch the biggest expansion of medical training in history, giving the NHS the staff it needs so that nurses aren't overworked and patients are seen on time.”