Ambulance strikes: Steve Barclay urges people to ‘use common sense’

Health secretary says system will be ‘under very severe pressure’ as thousands of workers in England and Wales strike

A UK government minister who has repeatedly refused to engage in pay negotiations with striking health workers has urged the public to “use their common sense” on a “very difficult day”.

The health secretary, Steve Barclay, has accepted the health system will be “under very severe pressure today” as thousands of ambulance workers, paramedics and others in England and Wales strike on Wednesday, leaving the NHS unable to respond to many 999 calls.