Striking resident doctors are digging in. History suggests this will go on and on

The health secretary is winning the battle of public opinion but has not convinced those who matter most in this dispute

There are an array of numbers relating to the NHS that, it’s safe to assume, make Wes Streeting wince.

Take, for example, the number of hospital tests and treatments people in England are waiting for – 7.42 million – and the number of people who need them – 6.24 million. Both have come down since Labour took power 17 months ago but still remain near worst-ever highs.