The comments came as NHS data showed a record 1,717 flu patients in hospital every day, 10 times the 2023 level and 50% higher than last year.

Streeting said progress was being put in ‘real jeopardy' by the BMA's ‘reckless behaviour' at the height of winter, adding: ‘We will do all we can to we can to weather this storm. I am determined that with the proper planning, record investment and modernisation this Government is bringing in, we'll have a more resilient NHS for this winter and beyond.'

The NHS delivered over 350,000 more flu jabs than this time last year for the week ending 30 November, with ambulance handover times almost 10 minutes faster despite over 4,500 patients more than in the same week last year. NHS 111 also received 11,338 more calls than the same week last year.

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Sarah Woolnough, chief executive of The King's Fund, said: ‘This data also reinforces the importance of prevention and the Government successfully realising its ambitions of more care in the community in the 10 Year Health Plan. The rollout of neighbourhood health centres announced around the Budget is welcome. These centres won't help improve care this winter but are part of the Government's wider plan to provide more comprehensive, accessible and technologically enabled care out of hospital. These longer-term changes may mean that one day, every winter isn't a crisis for patient care.'

Liberal Democrat health spokesperson Helen Morgan said: ‘Liberal Democrats are urging ministers to immediately fund thousands of new hospital and social care beds so that people can be admitted, and bring forward a rescue package for our broken GP services so fewer people have to turn to A&E in the first place.'

Chief executive of NHS Providers, Daniel Elkeles, said: ‘The last thing anyone needs now is the prospect of another strike by resident doctors, bringing yet more disruption and distress for patients.

‘We urge the BMA to see sense, get round the table with the Government, and end the dispute, so we can have all hands on deck in the lead up to Christmas.'

BMA resident doctors committee England chair Dr Jack Fletcher said: ‘What's truly reckless is not the timing of this strike, but the Government's refusal to fix the crisis staring them in the face. And what's genuinely cruel is shutting the door on thousands of doctors who are desperate to serve the NHS and relieve those same winter pressures. At a time when waiting lists are at record highs, thousands more doctors could be on the front line, giving care, becoming our consultants of the future. That should outrage every member of the public. Patients deserve better. Doctors deserve better.   

‘The public want an NHS that actually works. This crisis may not have been originally created by this Government, but without a real plan they are on the verge of owning every inch of it.  We are ready to meet Mr Streeting any time. The sooner he sits down with us, the sooner we get to a deal, the sooner we can end these disputes — for the sake of doctors, patients, and the future of the NHS.'