Sir Keir Starmer today refused to criticise nurses who will walk out on strike tonight leaving minimal accident and emergency cover.
The Labour leader was given repeated opportunities to comment on the Royal College of Nurses (RCN) strike that starts at 8pm tonight.
NHS organisations across the country are braced for significant disruption as nurses prepare to stage a 28-hour strike over pay.
The union initially said it would not agree to derogations - broad areas of care where staffing is guaranteed despite industrial action - but has now granted limited exemptions, including for units caring for children.
Speaking to Sky News' Ridge on Sunday today he simply said he did not want strikes to happen and would not comment specifically on the lack of cover.