Wes Streeting, the health secretary, criticizes the BMA for urging a strike after a substantial 22% pay rise. He finds the call for a 29% increase unreasonable, especially following a deal that included a 5.4% pay offer for 2025-26. Streeting notes a dismal turnout for strike support and emphasizes that this action may hinder the NHS recovery. He mentions that resident doctors share concerns about the BMA's leadership being out of touch with their colleagues and patients, leading to internal discontent regarding strike actions.
Streeting condemns the BMA's demand for a fresh 29% pay rise after a 22% increase, calling this action unreasonable and unprecedented in British history.
While there was 90% backing for the strike, it was based on just over 55% turnout, raising concerns about the legitimacy of the action and its effects.
Streeting highlights that no trade union in British history has seen its members receive such a steep pay rise only to respond with strikes.
Resident doctors privately express dismay at the BMA's decision to strike, feeling that the leadership is out of sync with the needs of patients and fellow doctors.
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