Sunak urges unions to call off NHS strikes as report recommends using reservists not troops in crises

Rishi Sunak has urged unions to call off the next wave of NHS strikes for the sake of their patients as it emerged army reservists, not troops, could be called up to deal with future strikes. On a trip to Latvia the prime minister said the government was “well prepared” for the walkouts, but warned of the impact on patients’ health. Asked if he could guarantee that people would not die as a result of the strikes, Mr Sunak said: “I’m really disappointed to see that the unions are calling these strikes, particularly at Christmas, particularly when it has such an impact on people’s day-to-day lives with the disruption it causes and the impact on their health. “I would urge them to keep considering whether these strikes are really necessary and do everything they can to alleviate the impact it's going to have on people.” Data collected by the NHS after last week’s nurses strike showed that 16,000 appointments, procedures and surgeries were cancelled and had to be rescheduled in England – 54,000 less than the government suggested. Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said: “I hugely value the work of our NHS staff and it is disappointing some union members are going ahead with further strike action when we know the impact this has on patients.