Wes Streeting has said the NHS is coping with the ongoing resident doctors’ strikes, but warned that the real test will come after the industrial action ends, as the health service enters one of its busiest periods of the year.
The health secretary said that while hospitals have managed to function during the five-day walkout by resident doctors, the recovery phase could prove more difficult, particularly as winter pressures and flu cases continue to rise across England.
NHS manages strike period
Speaking to the Observer, Streeting said the NHS has so far been able to absorb the impact of the strikes organised by the British Medical Association.
He said his greater concern lies with restoring services once the strike ends, at a time when hospitals are already under strain from seasonal illness and workforce shortages.
Streeting added that the post-strike recovery coincides with one of the most demanding periods in the NHS calendar.
Pay dispute remains unresolved
The strikes follow the rejection of a government offer that proposed expanding medical training places but did not include additional pay for resident doctors.
Streeting has taken a firm line on the dispute, arguing that the offer addressed long-term workforce planning rather than short-term pay demands.
His stance has drawn criticism from parts of the trade union movement, including Unison, whose incoming general secretary Andrea Egan described the approach as unacceptable.
Streeting said he does not believe doctors are acting selfishly, but accused the BMA of adopting a hardline and uncompromising negotiating position.
Winter pressures intensify concerns
The health secretary said the NHS faces mounting challenges beyond the strikes, including rising flu admissions and delayed discharges.
He warned that staff will need to work hard to stabilise services once industrial action concludes, especially given the backlog of appointments and procedures built up over recent months.
The strikes come against a backdrop of broader NHS recovery efforts following the Covid-19 pandemic, with waiting lists still near record levels.
Pro-EU stance on economic growth
Beyond health policy, Streeting used the interview to set out his views on the UK economy and relations with Europe.
He said a deeper economic partnership with the EU would be the most effective way to boost growth, while stressing that closer ties should not mean a return to freedom of movement.
Streeting suggested that the current government reset with Brussels is a good start but argued it does not yet go far enough to address the economic damage caused by Brexit.
He said the UK had suffered a major economic hit by leaving the single market and customs union, pointing to high taxation and rising public debt as ongoing challenges.
Customs union debate continues
The government has ruled out rejoining the customs union or restoring free movement as it seeks closer trading ties with the EU.
However, Streeting’s comments highlight divisions within cabinet, with some ministers believed to favour a more ambitious approach to economic integration with Europe.
He said that stronger trade links with the EU offer the clearest route to sustainable economic growth.
Leadership speculation addressed
Streeting, often mentioned as a future Labour leadership contender, played down speculation that he harbours ambitions to replace Keir Starmer.
He described recent media briefings suggesting he was positioning himself for the top job as bizarre and said he fully supports the prime minister.
Pressed on whether the UK would be ready to elect a gay prime minister, Streeting said he believed it would, while stressing he was not making any leadership pitch.
Labour unity message reinforced
Senior Labour figures have sought to shut down speculation about internal leadership tensions.
Party chair Anna Turley said claims that Starmer could be forced out if Labour performs poorly in local elections are nonsense, insisting the party remains united behind him.
Streeting also dismissed rumours of a joint leadership bid involving Angela Rayner, describing them as idle gossip.
Social media rules for young people
Streeting also hinted at differences within cabinet over proposals to restrict social media use for under-16s.
He said the online environment has become increasingly hostile for young people, citing bullying, intimidation, misogyny and radicalisation.
While not endorsing a ban, he said the UK should closely watch Australia’s approach to regulating social media access for children and consider similar measures if evidence supports them.
