Health Sec told: Talk to us

BY ASHLEY COWBURN Political Correspondent

THE Health Secretary was yesterday told to stop the spin and start speaking with nurses if he wants to stop them going on their first ever nationwide strike.

Pat Cullen, the general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, accused Steve Barclay of choosing strikes instead of speaking to her.

Labour leader Keir Starmer also pinned the blame for the industrial action on ministers.

It came after the RCN announced the dates for the first strike in its 106-year history, with members due to walk out on December 15 and 20.

Yesterday Mr Barclay insisted his door remains open for discussions with the RCN.

No10 denied that ministers had declined formal negotiations insisting they were

”engaging with unions, including the RCN”.

But Rishi Sunak said a 19% pay rise was

“obviously unaffordable”. He added: “NHS nurses’ pay is an independent process.”

CLASH

Mr Barclay