Patients will face ‘serious disruption’ even with military stepping in, says No10

Patients will face “serious disruption” on NHS strike days this winter even with members of the military stepping in to prop up services, Downing Street has said. 

The Government has asked soldiers to help during walkouts by ambulance staff later this month and No10 said they will be “extremely helpful in mitigating some of that disruption”. 

However, the Prime Minister’s Official Spokesman said there will still be a considerable “impact” on services. 

The spokesman said: “Clearly we are not suggesting that there won’t be serious disruption caused by strikes. These individuals are going to be extremely helpful in mitigating some of that disruption but nonetheless it will have an impact.”

Ambulance workers and other NHS staff are due to walkout on December 21. 

You can follow the latest updates below.