Jonathan Ashworth MP, Labour’s Health Secretary, responding to the joint unions statement on lack of PPE for health and social care staff, said:

“This joint call exposes the level of concern from health care workers about the adequacy and supply of PPE.

“Our NHS and social care staff deserve the very best protective clothing and equipment and they urgently need continued access to it.

“Labour calls on ministers to abandon attempts to gag staff and instead work closely with trade unions to ensure staff get the PPE that is so crucial to keeping them and patients safe.”