What’s causing the nurses’ strike? At PMQs we found out.
First, came a tale of anguish. Sir Keir raised the distressing case of 11-year-old Alex who needs a gallbladder operation. Surgical dates have been cancelled. Vital weeks at school have been missed. ‘Alex’s mum is worried sick,’ said Sir Keir, his voice trembling with outrage. ‘She wants [the PM] to explain what he is going to do to resolve the nursing strike.’ Then he upped the stakes. ‘Alex’s mum is listening,’ he said. ‘She’s tuned in now.’ This sounded ominous. Was she being detained in a panelled office near parliament, surrounded by Labour strongmen cracking their knuckles?
‘It’s not just Alex’s mum,’ said Rishi, heartlessly, ‘there are millions of others who will have their healthcare disrupted.’ Which is little comfort to anyone. He accused Sir Keir of using ‘a political formula to avoid taking a position.’
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