Just had a phone call with my friend Jessica who is a NHS nurse after another night shift.

That was the toughest phone call in my life - Jessica is one of the most resilient people I know and she understandably has had enough.

The NHS is massive and it a amazing thing but it is the people who make the NHS what it is and these people are putting their lives on the line for us.

They matter just as much as anyone and they are under immense strain. The discussion for a big pay rise is now not later.

It is unacceptable that people like my friend Jessica fear for their lives and leaving their only child without a mother because she doesn't feel safe at work.

The situation with PPE is costing lives and causing so much mental trauma to many. It is unforgivable.

I would say the only people scoring cheap political points are those who blindly defend the government.

Inaction is political and it is also cowardly.

Do the brave thing, ask the difficult questions and don't take no for a answer when demanding a pay rise for our NHS staff.