SHADOW health secretary Jonathan Ashworth joined Bradford West MP Naz Shah on the picket line at the Bradford Royal Infirmary earlier today.

The strike, against plans for some workers including porters, domestics and security staff, to be transferred into a wholly owned subsidiary company, began at the beginning of the week.

Mr Ashworth tweeted this picture and said there was an "amazing spirit" on the picket line.

He added: "Staff fighting to defend the NHS, terms & conditions have our full support & solidarity."

Staff are striking over the Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s plans to move non-medical staff contracts to the new company - Bradford Healthcare Facilities Management Ltd .

Those affected are concerned about losing their employment rights in the switch, while the Trust has assured them they will not be affected by the change.

Staff have been protesting all week at the BRI and St Luke’s Hospital.