Health Secretary Steve Barclay is understood to be writing to the unions to request fresh talks over strike action – but sources say he still won’t discuss increasing their wages.

Both nurses and ambulance workers are set to stage walkouts this week amid ongoing anger over pay and working conditions.

The chief of the Royal College of Nursing, Pat Cullen, had suggested strikes would be called off if Mr Barclay opened up discussions over wages.

But a government source insisted he would only talk about “patient safety and non-pay issues”.

Politics live: Ruling on Rwanda scheme expected this morning

The minister also questioned the safety of the upcoming ambulance strikes when speaking to reporters last night.

Staff will still respond to the highest level of emergencies, and the government plans to bring in the armed forces to fill some of the gaps, with 1,200 troops expected to be deployed.

Border Force workers, ambulance crews and DWP staff among those joining Christmas strikes this week

Giving in to nurses on pay would ‘stoke’ inflation and have ‘huge impact’, says minister

Unions criticise plans to use troops to cover strikes but PM hits back by calling them ‘Grinches’ who ‘want to steal Christmas’

But Mr Barclay claimed “the practical arrangements” had still not been confirmed by the unions at this late stage.

“It’s important that the trade unions honour the commitments that they’ve given to safeguard both life-threatening responses and emergency responses,” he said.

“It’s important that everyone prioritise patient safety, and in particular, those life-threatening and emergency calls.”

Related posts:

Weekly COVID cases rise by 71% to highest level since early February, latest figures show Waiting list at record high but hospitals admitting more patients, NHS figures show Inquests into deaths of serial killer Stephen Port’s four victims set to go ahead Keir Starmer mobbed in street by protesters as police escort Labour leader to safety near Parliament Teenager jailed for walking into college with knife and fake gun Chelsea’s bank account temporarily suspended, Sky Sports News understands Strikes ‘likely’ to go ahead as minister warns public to prepare for ‘substantial disruption’ Biggest rail strike in three decades to go ahead as last-ditch talks fail Mother and partner found guilty of murdering her 15-year-old son after torture campaign Prince Harry wins bid to bring High Court challenge against the Home Office Russian submarines tracked by Royal Navy in North Sea Yellow weather warning issued for heavy rain in parts of the South East