The Health Secretary has warned that a resident doctors’ strike over Christmas would have a “much different degree of risk” than previous walkouts, adding that he “cannot think of a single other trade union in this country that would behave this way”.Wes Streeting said he offered to extend the British Medical Association’s (BMA) strike mandate if it called off the action and called the union’s decision not to take it up “inexplicable”.
00:00We now begin the statement, Secretary of State.
00:05I've got to be up front with the Shadow Health Secretary and with the House that there is a much different degree of risk this time.
00:14So while we're aiming to maintain 95% of elective activity, again we're aiming to, I cannot guarantee that.
00:21And I cannot give that assurance in all good conscience given the level of pressure we are under.
00:25And that is why I just find it inexplicable actually that having offered to extend the mandate so the BMA could reschedule the same amount of strike action in January if their members reject this offer, I do not understand why they wouldn't do that.
00:43And honestly, and as a Labour MP, I've spent lots of time in rooms with trade unions and negotiating.
00:50I honestly cannot think of a single other trade union in this country that would behave in this way.
00:56I really can't. And I'm actually shocked by it.
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