Streeting accuses government of using nurses as scapegoats

On Tuesday morning, shadow secretary of state for health Wes Streeting clashed with secretary of state for health Steve Barclay over strikes in the NHS.

Mr Streeting said: “He knows this winter is going to be the most difficult the NHS has ever faced and he’s using nurses as a scapegoat to avoid the blame. That’s the shameful truth, isn’t it?”.

Mr Barclay responded: “The point is he himself does not support the 19% pay demands of the trade unions. So he stands here saying we should be talking whilst himself not accepting the proposal.”.