We did it. Together we made our mark in history.

Those of you who know me will understand that I’m rarely short of words. But yesterday’s strike action in England, Northern Ireland and Wales left me speechless.

From the darkness of dawn, the light of our nursing profession shone across towns and cities as you took to the streets to have your say, to stand for what’s right and just. You should be immensely proud of yourselves, and I wish I could thank each and every one of you in person.

For those who I had the pleasure of meeting yesterday in London, Bristol, Swindon, Reading and Cardiff, know that you had not only my backing and that of everyone who works with and for the RCN, but also the public’s support. You told me they brought you warm drinks, mince pies, sausage rolls and even knitted scarves to ward off the freezing temperatures. They honked their car horns in solidarity, they stood with you, shoulder to shoulder.

And so, as I think about the mountain we climbed together yesterday, I cast my mind forward to next week, when once again, we will strike for fair pay and for patient safety. The NHS is in crisis and our nursing profession can’t take any more. The public deserve to know that when they need nursing, there will be enough of us in the right place, with the right skills to deliver the care they need. And right now, we can safely but regrettably say that isn’t the case.

We are as committed to our patients as we always have been. We’re still playing the same game of delivering care, advocating for our patients and keeping them safe, but ministers keep moving the goalposts; often, they simply leave the field altogether. Until they start playing ball by taking part in meaningful negotiations with us over pay, our position will not change and we will continue to strike. 
Governments have had every chance to act but they have chosen to turn their backs on us.

You demonstrated nursing’s might yesterday by joining a picket line, withdrawing your labour or supporting derogated services. Be assured that colleagues in Scotland stand with you, even though strike action there has been paused as members vote on the latest pay offer. I urge all eligible members to use their vote and have their say before 19 December. 
The same applies to all members working for Marie Curie who are eligible to vote in the consultative ballot do so before 4 January. You made your voices heard, and your pay offer has been improved. Now you'll decide next steps.

Our annual carol service will take place on 19 December in Cavendish Square and you are warmly invited to attend, either in person or online. All the information you need is available on our website and both your President Denise Chaffer and I are very much looking forward to an evening of festive reflection with you.

For every person going on strike on Tuesday 20 December, I’d like to remind you that there’s information to help you stay informed on our strike hub, and there are resources to support your health and wellbeing across our website.