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.
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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 abandon them this Christmas.
“With flu sweeping across the nation and the health service under enormous pressure, these cynical Christmas strikes are the very last thing the NHS needs.”
The BMA’s online vote on the government’s deal will end on Monday, two days ahead of the planned five-day strike.
Flu outbreaks affecting school attendance
Flu outbreaks are affecting student attendance and school staffing, following multiple school disruptions, officials have said.
A Cornwall school closed this week due to “unprecedented and increasing incidences” of flu and strep, after several other recent closures.
Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said: “We have seen flu outbreaks in schools having an impact on both pupil attendance and staffing levels.”
Schools will do what they can to reduce the risk of infection spreading, and closing is a last resort, he said.
Radwinter Church of England Primary School in Essex will be closed on Monday due to a norovirus outbreak, according to the county council website.
Last week, St Martin’s School in Caerphilly closed after over 250 pupils and staff fell ill.
In November, Congleton High School in Cheshire temporarily shut for a deep clean following several illness cases.
NHS data released Thursday show that flu hospitalisations in England remain at a record high for this time of year, rising 55% in just one week.
