Jonathan Ashworth MP, Labour’s Shadow Health Secretary, responding to the news that Trusts will be allowed to cancel non-urgent elective operations until mid-January, said:

“Theresa May’s claims that she has suitably prepared our NHS for the winter season are looking increasingly doubtful. Despite the best efforts of our overstretched staff, numerous Trusts are already running at full capacity with no spare beds at all.

“Cancelled operations will pile more misery on patients this winter. It’s time Tory ministers got a grip.”