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Sir Keir Starmer has called on resident doctors to accept a deal to prevent “reckless” strikes next week, describing it as “beyond belief” that they would go ahead amid a “super flu” outbreak.
He warned the NHS is at its “most precarious moment” since the coronavirus pandemic, with flu cases at record levels for this time of year.
In an op-ed for The Guardian, the prime minister said the strikes “should not happen”.
“They are reckless. They place the NHS and patients who need it in grave danger.
“I remain hopeful they can be averted.
“A good deal is on the table, and the British Medical Association (BMA) is putting it to members this weekend.
“My message to the doctors is simple – take it,” he wrote.
Union members are currently voting on a new government offer that could prevent the planned walkout. If medics reject the deal, strikes are set to run for five consecutive days starting at 7am on 17 December.
Sir Keir said the latest offer would allow the BMA to postpone strikes until after Christmas.
He said: “The ‘super flu’ epidemic now sweeping the country means this is the NHS’s most precarious moment since the pandemic.”
This means a “battle” in hospitals across the country where NHS staff will work around the clock, he added.
Sir Keir said: “In fact, resident doctors’ colleagues will be cancelling operations, cancelling their Christmas leave and preparing for this coming storm.
“The idea that strikes could still take place in this context is frankly beyond belief.”
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A new YouGov poll shows low public support for the strikes, with 58% somewhat or strongly opposing the action, compared with 33% who somewhat or strongly back it.
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: “Patients are pleading with resident doctors not to…
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