Sir Keir Starmer is accused of undermining the civil service after the dismissal of Sir Olly Robbins from the Foreign Office. Dave Penman of the FDA trade union states the prime minister risks alienating civil servants, while Lord Sedwill calls for Sir Olly's reinstatement.
NHS England's chief executive, Sir Jim Mackey, states the health service is managing the ongoing six-day doctors' strike effectively so far, though acknowledging the significant challenges. The strike, the 15th in a protracted pay dispute, has led to some cancelled operations as senior doctors cover urgent care. Both sides express regret over the industrial action, with the British Medical Association (BMA) citing a lack of credible government offer and the government highlighting a 'generous deal' already on the table.
NHS England's chief executive reports that the health service is managing 'as good a place as we could hope' during the initial phase of the six-day resident doctors' strike, despite the industrial action being 'deliberately timed to cause havoc' after Easter.
