Tory Steve Barclay faces questions over meeting with nightclub owners

08 April 2023 , 18:10

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Health Secretary Steve Barclay met with representatives of Ministry of Sound and a posh interior design firm. Twice. (Image: Getty Images)

Health Secretary Steve Barclay faces questions over a mysterious string of meetings with nightclub giants Ministry of Sound.

The top Tory met with representatives of the club twice, a few days apart in November last year, while nurses were seeking negotiations to avoid historic strike action.

Also attending the meetings were representatives of posh interior design firm The Bon Collective.

A Labour shadow minister said: "It's good to see the Secretary of State is consulting with other Ministries, he needs all the help he can get.

"We've long been advocating the positive impact of music therapy and a comfortable environment in the recovery process.

Teachers, civil servants and train drivers walk out in biggest strike in decade

"But the NHS needs more than beats and feng shui it needs real leadership and focus."

Official records say the meetings were to discuss “floor plans of Department of Health and Social Care buildings” - but the department has refused to say what was discussed at the meetings.

The Department refused to say why Mr Barclay met with the nightclub giant (PA)

The shadow minister added: “Rather than clubs and designers the SoS should be getting round the table with doctors and nurses. This is just further proof that his priorities are completely out of whack."

The two meetings took place on November 22 and 24 last year. At the same time, the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) was balloting members for their first strike action in 100 years.

Strike days were announced at midnight on November 25, after RCN General Secretary said her offer of formal negotiations with ministers was declined.

Mikey Smith