Striking doctors lack the specific demand that Labour party currently lacks fulfilling
The current standoff between UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting and the British Medical Association (BMA) revolves around the pay of resident doctors in the National Health Service (NHS).
The BMA is pushing for a 29.2% pay rise to restore the pay of resident doctors to 2008 real-term values, which have been eroded by around 35% due to inflation and low or frozen pay rises over the years. However, Streeting argues that resident doctors have already received a 28.9% pay increase over the last three years: a 13.2% rise in 2023/24 (including a two-year deal accepted after the general election) plus 8% in 2024/25 and a proposed additional 5.4% for 2025/26[1][3].
The BMA's demand for further pay rises stems from their belief that the government's offer does not adequately compensate for the real-terms pay erosion experienced by resident doctors since 2008. This has led to the decision for industrial action, including a five-day strike planned from July 25, 2025[2][3].
On the other hand, Streeting and his government consider their pay offer as fair and believe that further significant pay rises are "off the table." This fundamental disagreement over whether the current pay offer sufficiently addresses the historical pay erosion underpins the ongoing strikes and negotiations[1][2][3].
During the strike, up to 50,000 resident doctors, formerly known as junior doctors, will go on strike from 7am on Friday and end at 7am on Wednesday, 30 July[2]. If emergency care is needed during the strike, patients are advised to go to the hospital as normal. Local trust leaders will decide which non-critical patients can still attend their appointments[2].
Patients have been advised to "choose healthcare wisely" during the strike. The BMA argues that staff shortages during the strike could make patient care unsafe[2]. Streeting, however, is determined to minimise the impact of the strikes, allowing local trust leaders to make local decisions[2].
In a personal letter to NHS resident doctors, Streeting expressed his regret over the current situation[3]. The public support for the strikes may be less due to the optics of the situation[3].
The BMA is also trying to reverse what it says is 17 years of underpayment for resident doctors. Currently, resident doctors earn around £18 per hour, and the BMA wants this raised to £22 per hour[2].
Negotiations between Streeting and the BMA were underway last week to avert strike action by resident doctors[1]. The name of resident doctors was changed to better reflect their responsibilities[1].
[1] BBC News, "NHS doctors' strike: Wes Streeting 'regrets' dispute," 2025. [2] The Guardian, "NHS doctors to strike for five days in pay dispute," 2025. [3] The Telegraph, "NHS doctors' strike: Wes Streeting offers 28.9% pay rise but BMA demands 29.2%," 2025.
- The current dispute between UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting and the British Medical Association (BMA) centers on the remuneration of resident doctors in the National Health Service (NHS).
- The BMA is advocating for a 29.2% pay increase to restore the earnings of resident doctors to their 2008 real-term worth, eroded by approximately 35% due to inflation and stagnant or frozen wage increases over the years.
- In contrast, Streeting contends that resident doctors have already received a 28.9% pay hike over the past three years.
- The BMA's call for additional pay rises arises from their perception that the government's offer fails to adequately compensate for the real-term pay reduction experienced by resident doctors since 2008.
- This differences in opinion over whether the current pay offer addresses the historical pay reduction has led to the decision for industrial action, such as a planned five-day strike from July 25, 2025.
- During the strike, up to 50,000 resident doctors will walk out from 7am on Friday and will end at 7am on Wednesday, 30 July.
- In an emergency, patients are advised to go to the hospital as normal during the strike.
- Local trust leaders will decide which non-critical patients can still attend their appointments during the strike.
- Patients are encouraged to "choose healthcare wisely" during the strike.
- The BMA asserts that staff shortages during the strike could compromise patient care.
- Streeting, however, is committed to minimizing the impact of the strikes, allowing local trust leaders to make local decisions.
- In a personal letter to NHS resident doctors, Streeting expressed his disappointment over the current predicament.
- The BMA aims to rectify what it considers to be 17 years of resident doctor underpayment.
- Currently, resident doctors earn around £18 per hour, and the BMA wants this hourly rate increased to £22.
- Negotiations between Streeting and the BMA were underway last week to prevent strike action by resident doctors.
- The name of resident doctors was altered to better align with their responsibilities.
- The public support for the strikes may be less due to the perception of the situation.
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