Rishi Sunak told to call off Tory attacks on 'demonized' paramedics

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The GMB union told the Prime Minister that relief workers felt 'completely betrayed' by Tory attempts to portray them as indifferent and blame staff for crisis scenes in the NHS

Thousands of paramedics took part in industrial action this week (

Image: Adam Gerrard/Daily Mirror)

Rishi Sunak has been ordered to end the Tory attacks on hard-working ambulance staff who have been 'demonized' for fighting for better pay.

The GMB union has told the Prime Minister that relief workers feel ‘completely betrayed’ by the Government’s attempts to portray them as indifferent and to blame the NHS crisis on staff.

Data from NHS England this week revealed that heart attack and stroke patients had to wait over 90 minutes for ambulances in December, with delays reaching their worst ever.

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Unions have argued that years of underfunding and poor wages have left the service on its knees.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps was widely condemned this week for saying striking paramedics were putting "lives at risk" as safety deals are struck regionally rather than nationally.

Rishi Sunak urged to stop demonizing ambulance staff (

Picture:

Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Health Secretary Steve Barclay also claimed they had "made a conscious choice to harm patients".

In a letter to the Prime Minister, Steve Rice, Chairman of the GMB Ambulance Workers' Committee, said: 'We are appalled at some of the statements we have heard from your government in recent days.

"Targeting paramedics for a deliberate attack is a disgrace."

He said paramedics were not to blame for the NHS crisis and said transfer issues at A&E had been going on for months due to long-standing issues such as lack of hospital beds and staff.

Mr. Rice said, "We feel completely betrayed by...