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Monday 23 January 2023

With ambulance workers back on picket lines across England and Wales, relations between ministers and unions seem to be getting worse

Unite’s general secretary’s accusing the government of "lying" and not being "an honest partner” for pay talks.

The government's adamant it wants to find a resolution but says the country can’t afford the pay rises being asked for.

Dr John Martin is the Chief paramedic at the London Ambulance service. 

He’s thanking people for keeping 999 for life-threatening emergencies, noting that on the previous strike day, they received around a quarter fewer calls. 

He also says they have around half of their usual fleet available today, and it’s made up by staff not on strike, clinicians from other trusts, and military personnel.