Nurses’ leader calls on Rishi Sunak to help resolve pay dispute

Pat Cullen says prime minister must step in if 48-hour strike across 120 hospitals is to be averted

The prime minister has been urged to step in to avert fresh strike action by nurses that is likely to have a “significant impact” on NHS services in England.

Tens of thousands of nurses have voted to walk out of 120 hospitals for 48 hours next month as soaring inflation continues to impose real-terms pay cuts. For the first time, the strikers will include those working in cancer wards, emergency departments and intensive care units – marking a significant escalation in the dispute.