Health Secretary Steve Barclay has stated he plans to "pursue legal action" over the Royal College of Nursing's upcoming strike motion.

In an announcement, Mr Barclay stated: "Following a request from NHS Employers, I've regretfully offered discover of my intent to pursue authorized motion to ask the courts to declare the Royal College of Nursing's upcoming strike motion deliberate for 30 April to 2 May to be illegal.

"The government firmly believes in the right to strike, but it is vital that any industrial action is lawful and I have no choice but to take action."

Pat Cullen, the RCN common secretary and chief government, branded the transfer "nakedly political".

"Nurses will not be gagged in this way by a bullying government," an announcement stated.

"We are clear that court arguments should only relate to 2 May and not the 30 April and 1 May.

"The authorities is now determined to silence nurses relatively than handle this correctly. We wish to be within the negotiating room, not the courtroom."

Content Source: information.sky.com