LONDON, December 20, 2025 — The National Health Service is currently “coping” with ongoing strikes by resident doctors, but Health Secretary Wes Streeting expressed concern today about the system’s ability to recover once the industrial action concludes, particularly as flu cases surge across the country.
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The UK’s health service is managing the current disruption, but a challenging recovery period looms.
- The NHS is currently managing a five-day strike by resident doctors from the British Medical Association.
- Streeting offered a deal focused on increased training places, but without additional funding, which was rejected by doctors.
- The Health Secretary voiced worries about the post-strike recovery period, coinciding with a busy winter season and rising flu cases.
- Streeting also indicated a preference for a closer economic relationship with the European Union.
“I think the NHS is coping,” Streeting stated. “The period that worries me more is the post-strike period when we have to try and recover the service. That now falls at a time of year which is the NHS’s busiest.” He acknowledged the dedication of healthcare professionals, adding, “I don’t think that doctors are selfish and don’t care about nurses and other healthcare professionals, but the BMA’s position can be quite hardline and uncompromising.”
Streeting’s comments came during a broad-ranging interview where he addressed the economy, relations with Europe, and his own political aspirations, while firmly stating he wasn’t vying for Keir Starmer’s position. He described recent media speculation about a potential leadership challenge as a “bizarre drive-by.”
A Pro-EU Stance on Economic Growth
Indicating a more pro-European stance than some within his party, Streeting argued that a deeper economic partnership with the EU is the most effective path to boosting economic growth. However, he emphasized that any such partnership “can’t lead to a return to freedom of movement,” leaving the possibility of a customs union on the table.
The government has previously ruled out both a customs union and the reintroduction of free movement as it pursues closer trade ties with Brussels. Streeting acknowledged the current “reset” with the EU as a “good start,” but suggested a willingness to go further. “We’ve taken a massive economic hit leaving the European Union,” he said. “I’m really uncomfortable with the level of taxation in this country…The best way for us to get more growth into our economy is a deeper trading relationship with the EU.” He highlighted the economic benefits of the single market and customs union prior to the UK’s departure.
Regarding internal party dynamics, Streeting dismissed rumors of a joint leadership bid with Angela Rayner as “idle gossip.” He recounted a playful exchange with Rayner in the voting lobby, where she jokingly referenced her appearance on the reality television show “I’m a Celebrity.”
Streeting also hinted at a differing perspective on regulating social media access for young people compared to some cabinet colleagues. “We need to think much more radically about how we support young people to navigate this new online world,” he said. He described social media as increasingly “antisocial media,” citing concerns about bullying, intimidation, and radicalization, and expressed interest in examining Australia’s approach to social media regulation.
What are the potential risks of social media for young people? Streeting highlighted concerns about bullying, intimidation, misogyny, and even radicalization, describing the platforms as increasingly “antisocial media.”
Andrea Egan, the incoming general secretary of Unison, has criticized Streeting’s approach to the strikes, deeming it “unacceptable.” Anna Turley, chair of the Labour party, defended Starmer’s leadership, asserting he would remain prime minister next Christmas and dismissing suggestions of a potential resignation following local election results.
