Sunak backs NHS leaders asking striking doctors to return to work
The Prime Minister has backed calls by hospital bosses for junior doctors to leave picket lines and return to work amid patient safety fears.
A number of hospitals in England have pleaded for medics to return to work due to safety concerns – also known as derogation requests.
But a row erupted after the British Medical Association (BMA) said that the derogation process was being “undermined” by the health service and it suggested that the requests were being made due to “political pressure”.
Rishi Sunak said that NHS leaders are “completely independent of Government” but added that they have his “backing” when making such requests.
Speaking to broadcasters, he said: “The NHS is responsible for patient care and it’s right that they do absolutely everything they can to ensure patient care.
