People who abuse NHS staff ‘can and should be turned away’ - Wes Streeting

Health Secretary Wes Streeting underscores that the government will not tolerate NHS or social care staff being subjected to intimidation, harassment or racist abuse 

“Britain will always be your home,” said Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, in a video message to NHS and care staff in response to recent violence targeting healthcare workers from ethnic minority backgrounds.

In the video posted on X, Streeting said: “I have been appalled by recent news reports of violence over the last week directed towards Filipino nurses in Sunderland, GPS closing early out of fear of riots and the torching of a Nigerian care worker’s car.

“These people are there for our country when we need them. They look after us at our most vulnerable and bust a gut to keep us well. Their attackers bring shame on our nation and our flag.”

Streeting underscored that the government will not tolerate NHS or social care staff being subjected to intimidation, harassment or racist abuse.

“We have a zero tolerance policy in the NHS and will take a zero tolerance approach in social care too,” he said.

He stated that anyone racially or violently abusing NHS staff or care staff “can and should be turned away.”

“These are the disgraceful actions of a tiny minority. These far right thugs have no idea about our country's history or heritage. They do not represent who we are.

“This government will make sure that anyone guilty of these crimes will suffer the full force of the law. They will regret this for the rest of their days.”

“The vast majority of us are disgusted and appalled by what we've seen on our streets,” he said.

Streeting highlighted the vital role played by the diverse individuals working in the NHS and social care services:

“We are lucky to have people in our NHS and social care services who come from around the world to provide great, compassionate care. I am proud that we have these people in Britain, and so are the overwhelming majority of the British people.”

“The NHS was built by people of all faiths and nationalities. It is no coincidence that the founding of the NHS took place in the same year 1948 that the Empire Windrush arrived on Britain's shores. That generation built our NHS, and it is a huge strength of our health service.”

Streeting concluded with his message thanking all NHS and care staff for their service: “I want to say to all NHS and care staff, we are lucky to have you. We are so grateful for your care and compassion and your service. So to you, from your government, your patients and care users, thank you. Britain will always be your home."

According to the latest data from the Ministry of Justice, more than 150 individuals arrested in connection with this month's violent disorder have already been brought before the court, with 118 of them remanded into custody.

Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, said: “The mindless minority who caused and took part in the disgraceful scenes we witnessed were warned they would soon feel the full force of the law.”

The data released on Friday (9 August) revealed that as of 8 August, 176 defendants had their first hearing scheduled in the magistrates’ court and 154 have already been completed.

Six were sentenced in the magistrates’ court, 50 have been sent to Crown Court for sentencing, 72 have been sent to Crown Court for trial and 26 cases will have another hearing in the magistrates’ court.

These figures are expected to rise over the coming days and weeks as more and more suspects are arrested, charged and sent to court.

More than 500 additional prison places are being made available to ensure there are adequate cells for those sentenced to custody by the courts in the coming weeks, the Ministry said.