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 will 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.