Furious Wes Streeting has issued a stern warning to resident doctors about the potential negative impact of their ongoing five-day strike on the progress made in reducing NHS waiting lists.
The Health Secretary expressed concern as medics commenced their picket lines today for the first day of strikes, criticizing the doctors’ union, the British Medical Association (BMA), for what he described as behaving like a “cartel.” This strike marks the 13th walkout by the BMA since March 2023, with the previous strike in July estimated to have cost the NHS £300 million.
During a heated discussion on LBC radio this morning, Mr. Streeting engaged in a tense exchange with resident doctor Niraj, who emphasized the doctors’ commitment to patient safety but expressed dissatisfaction with the Health Secretary’s proposals to end the strike.
In response, Mr. Streeting rebuked Niraj, emphasizing the need for the resident doctors to take responsibility for their decision to strike and the potential harm it could cause to patients.
Niraj, representing Harrow, questioned the value placed on resident doctors by the authorities and criticized the proposals put forth to end the industrial action, stating that basic provisions for training and support should not be used as bargaining tools.
Mr. Streeting defended the government’s stance, highlighting the impact of the strike on patients and the NHS, calling it irresponsible and unnecessary. He also expressed disappointment with the BMA’s behavior, especially considering the efforts made by the Health Secretary to address challenges and provide substantial pay increases.
As the strike unfolds, recent polling in The Times indicated that almost half of resident doctors favored calling off the action, with a minority in support. Past strikes have led to significant disruptions in medical procedures and appointments, despite the NHS maintaining a considerable level of planned activity.
NHS Confederation chief executive, Matthew Taylor, urged the BMA to reconsider the strikes, emphasizing their disproportionate nature given the current financial constraints and the substantial pay rises already granted to resident doctors. Taylor called for a return to negotiations with more realistic demands.
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