The British Medical Association (BMA) has declared war on Labour's shadow health secretary Wes Streeting, warning of "sustained industrial action" if he implements controversial NHS reforms upon taking office.
Doctors Dig In for Long Battle
In an extraordinary escalation, militant doctors' leaders have pledged to "fight Streeting every step of the way" over plans to change consultants' contracts and increase weekend services. The BMA's consultants committee chairman Dr Vishal Sharma issued the stark ultimatum following private talks with the Labour frontbencher.
Strikes Could Last Years
NHS consultants, who've already staged multiple walkouts this year, are prepared to continue strikes "for as long as it takes" - potentially disrupting healthcare services well into a Labour government's first term. The union accuses Streeting of planning "unworkable reforms" that would degrade patient care.
Streeting's Controversial NHS Vision
The shadow health secretary has vowed to:
- Overhaul consultant contracts to eliminate weekend pay premiums
- Implement 7-day NHS services across England
- Increase use of private healthcare providers
Dr Sharma countered: "These proposals would destroy goodwill in the profession and drive doctors abroad." The BMA claims Streeting's plans mirror failed Tory policies that exacerbated staffing crises.
