Ambulance union baron tells Rishi Sunak to come out of 'hiding'

Rishi Sunak was today urged to 'come out of hiding' by union chiefs who accused him of dodging vital pay negotiations needed to end NHS strikes.

Unite boss Sharon Graham accused the PM of being of 'missing in action' in efforts to end the dispute and called on him to start negotiating hitting out at the Health Secretary Steve Barclay for not having 'any authority' to make a pay offer.

Up to 20,000 ambulance staff have today taken to the picket lines across England and Wales.Patients have been urged to continue calling 999 in all life-threatening emergencies, with paramedics providing 'life and limb' cover.

It marks the latest round of strikes in the never-ending row over pay and conditions, which are set to rumble on for months.

Action planned for two weeks' time is set to be the biggest in NHS history, spanning both ambulance and nursing staff.

Unite boss Sharon Graham has accused the Prime Minister of being of 'missing in action'

Speaking on LBC Radio this morning, Ms Graham accused the Prime Minister of being 'missing in action' in efforts to resolve the ambulance strikes.