Sunak’s pledge to cut NHS waiting lists at risk from industrial action, says minister

Sunak’s NHS pledge was one of five priorities he set out at the beginning of the year. Photograph: Tommy London/Alamy

Rishi Sunak is in danger of missing his target to cut NHS waiting lists unless doctors drop plans to take industrial action over the coming months, the UK health secretary has warned.

Victoria Atkins on Sunday urged doctors in England to come to an agreement with the government over pay and conditions, suggesting the prime minister’s waiting list pledge would not be hit unless they do.