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Resident doctors were joined yesterday by their four-legged companions as five days of Christmas strike action commenced.
As some gathered outside London’s St Thomas’ Hospital, the Prime Minister condemned the “dangerous and utterly irresponsible” walkout by the hardliners who are demanding a significant pay increase.
Resident doctors are accompanied by their dogs as five days of Christmas strike action startsCredit: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire
Health Secretary Wes Streeting stated he is ‘completely focused’ on navigating the NHS through the actionCredit: Lucy North/PA Wire
Sir Keir Starmer has been accused of lacking the ‘baubles’ to prohibit strikesCredit: Reuters
He conveyed his message to resident doctors: “Do not abandon patients; collaborate with us to enhance conditions and restore the system.”
The Health Secretary emphasized that he is “completely focused” on guiding the NHS through the ongoing action.
However, the Tory leader criticized Sir Keir Starmer for lacking the “baubles” to ban strikes and claimed he has lost control to the unions.
In the meantime, the militant Andrea Egan defeated PM ally Christina McAnea to lead the country’s largest union, Unison, in a surprising election outcome.
This result dealt a new blow to the PM’s authority as a hard-left critic was elected to helm the country’s biggest union.
Egan will assume the role of general secretary of Unison following an unexpected election result.
She ousted the PM’s most influential trade union ally, Christina McAnea, with nearly 60 percent of the vote.
This development means the PM may lose crucial backing on Labour’s powerful ruling national executive committee.
Moreover, funding could now be uncertain after Unison provided the party with £1.49 million last year.
Ms. Egan has pledged to reassess Unison’s relationship with Labour and to put an end to their “subservience.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the reason for the strike action by resident doctors?
The strike action is primarily a response to demands for significant pay increases by the resident doctors.
How has the Prime Minister reacted to the strike?
The Prime Minister condemned the strike, labeling it as “dangerous and utterly irresponsible.”
What impact does the new union leadership have on the Labour party?
The election of Andrea Egan as the general secretary of Unison could jeopardize funding and support for the Labour party, as she has expressed intentions to reassess their relationship.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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