PM: Pay Rises 'Would Have To Be Taken From Elsewhere In The NHS'

Rishi Sunak says he cannot "wave a magic wand" to resolve the bitter NHS pay dispute.

- Martyn Brown

The Prime Minister said giving strikers the rises they were demanding would lead to money being taken away from elsewhere in the NHS.

But he insisted that the Government would continue to "engage in dialogue with the unions".

Earlier, he was accused of being "missing in action" during the dispute, with one union pointing to an "abdication of leadership".

Unite said Health Secretary Steve Barclay "does not have authority" to negotiate pay deals, as it urged Mr Sunak to call a meeting with unions.

Negotiate

Yesterday ambulance workers staged their third walkout in five weeks as nurses and doctors plan strikes in the coming weeks.